Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff thinks it was right to remove Michael Masi as Formula One's race director.

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has welcomed the move from world motor sport’s governing body to make changes at the top of Formula One. The FIA has removed Michael Masi from his position as race director after the Australian was caught up in huge controversy surrounding his handling of the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi, which saw Red Bull’s Max Verstappen win the title ahead of Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton.

Ad/> In a dramatic end to the race, Masi ordered cars positioned between the title rivals to unlap themselves, allowing Verstappen to pass the British driver and claim his maiden Drivers’ Championship. Season 2022'I never said I’d stop' — Hamilton commits to Mercedes and F1 return7 HOURS AGO 'I never said I’d stop' — Hamilton commits to Mercedes and F1 return Ferrari launch the F1-75 car they hope will propel them to success in 2022 Masi replaced as race director after Abu Dhabi Grand Prix controversy in Formula 1 restructure World Endurance Championship director Eduardo Freitas and Niel Wittich, who is the former race director of the German Touring Car Masters, will take over the role, sharing it on an alternate basis.

Wolff is pleased by the news, saying, “I think it’s very encouraging to see that action has been taken. There’s a much more robust structure now and support structure for the racing director.

The FIA has stated that there will be a virtual race control room — state of the art technology. The new guys are going to be in place for the Barcelona test and I think, the right steps.” Looking ahead to the new season, Wolff is hoping his team can go on to be constructors’ champions for the ninth time in a row.