Masi a 'liability' for F1 and 'disrespectful' towards drivers, says Wolff

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says former Formula 1 race director Michael Masi was a “liability” and refused to criticism on board during his period in the role.

Masi was relieved of his FIA duties over the winter after being drafted in to replace Charlie Whiting after his sudden death on the eve of the 2019 season.

His dismissal came following a wave of criticism for his handling of the safety car restart in last year’s season finale in Abu Dhabi, which the FIA admitted was “human error” after an investigation into the event.

Wolff has made his feelings known at how the race unfolded in the closing stages, and in an interview with the Press Association at the Australian Grand Prix, he revealed he tried to get his views across to Masi just days before the Abu Dhabi race.

“It is quite interesting because I had lunch with him [Masi] on the Wednesday before the race, and I said to him that ‘I really want to tell you, without patronising you, that you need to take criticism on board and develop from there,” Wolff said.

“Lewis does it every day, but you are the guy who always seems to know better’.

“It wasn’t about influencing him but really giving my honest feedback that he shouldn’t block outside opinion as simply being wrong.”

Wolff believes Masi has still yet to reflect on how he oversaw the final laps in Abu Dhabi, claiming even drivers and promoters were not fond of his approach.

“You hear from the drivers and how the drivers’ briefings were conducted [by Masi] and some of the guys said it was almost disrespectful how he treated some of them,” added Wolff.

“There is a promoter of one of the races in the Middle East who said he was so relieved he had gone because he got so much abuse from him.

“He was just immune to any