Masi ‘likely’ to be replaced in new structure

Michael Masi is set to lose his Formula 1 race director role as part of changes to the “race-management structure”, report the BBC.

Formula 1 has a huge 2022 season fast approaching as all-new challengers, designed to overhauled regulations, hit the track, this off the back of the 2021 title battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, one of the greatest scraps in F1 history.

But it is the way that this duel ended which means that F1 can not yet fully move on.

Verstappen emerged victorious at the 2021 season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, snatching the win and the title with a last-lap overtake on Hamilton, but the way that came to pass left Hamilton feeling that the result was manipulated.

Masi ordered only lapped cars between Verstappen in P2 and leader Hamilton to pass the Safety Car, so with a clear run and fresh tyres after pitting, Verstappen made the overtake at Turn 5.

Mercedes failed with two post-race appeals, while Hamilton, who has been silent since Abu Dhabi, skipped the FIA’s prize-giving gala along with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

At this time an investigation into the events of Abu Dhabi is ongoing, with a final report set to arrive on the opening day of practice in Bahrain, that being March 18 as the 2022 season gets underway.

Wolff has stated already that he expects “action, not words” after the Abu Dhabi fallout, and it would appear that action is indeed on its way.

BBC Sport state sources have informed them that the “FIA’s plans are to introduce a series of safeguards that will leave the race director freer to make decisions in a calmer environment”.

“A support structure is being planned for the race director, insiders say,” their report adds.

“This is likely to include a barrier between that