Michael Masi’s future as F1 race director still in the balance following London meeting

Michael Masi’s future as Formula One’s race director remains in the balance following a meeting of motorsport’s major players in London on Monday.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, and his Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner, arrived at F1’s headquarters at St James’s Market awaiting the outcome of the FIA’s inquiry into last year’s controversial finale at the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand, which saw Max Verstappen take the world championship from Lewis Hamilton after a controversial call from Masi on the final lap.

But two months and two days after the contentious events at Yas Marina Circuit – a race Hamilton said was “manipulated” following Masi’s handling of a late safety car period – the Australian’s fate is seemingly to be determined, while the FIA’s investigation is still ongoing.

FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem chaired the four-hour summit and is expected to address the continued fallout from Abu Dhabi later this week.

In a statement, the FIA said: “The FIA president led detailed discussions of the 2021 Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

“Feedback from the Commission on matters raised will be incorporated into the President’s analysis and he will publicly present news of structural changes and action plan in the coming days.”

It is understood that Masi was present for the talks.

Hamilton, described by Wolff as “disillusioned” after missing out on his eighth world title, will make his first public appearance since the debacle on Friday when Mercedes launch its new car at Silverstone.

One school of thought is that Masi could be forced to take up a lesser role, with Portuguese Eduardo Freitas moving across from the World Endurance Championship to replace him.

Race winner and 2021 Formula One World Drivers Champion Max