Red Bull-Masi radio comms during Abu Dhabi final 'really uncomfortable' - Brundle

Sky F1's Martin Brundle says the audio recording of the conversation between FIA race director Michael Masi and Red Bull at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is "really uncomfortable".

Masi's controversial handling of the title decider angered Mercedes, while Silver Arrows fans were left wringing their hands in frustration at how the Australian influenced the race's outcome.

Lewis Hamilton, chasing a record eighth Drivers' Championship, was leading in the race's closing stages after Nicholas Latifi's crash prompted the deployment of the safety car.

With just a handful of laps remaining, Masi ordered the backmarkers separating Hamilton and Max Verstappen to unlap themselves. At the same time, those behind the Red Bull driver were told to hold their position.

Verstappen went on to overtake Hamilton in a thrilling final-lap shootout, crossing the chequered line in pole position to claim his first-ever Drivers' Championship.

But Mercedes and their loyal fans were incensed further following the release of the audio of Masi's interactions with Red Bull.

In the released audio, Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley is heard telling Masi: "Those lapped cars; you don't need to let them go right the way around and catch up with the back of the pack.READ | Hamilton wants race director Michael Masi removed from position, says Dutch driver Bleekemolen

"You only need to let them go, and then we've got a motor race on our hands."

Masi replied: "Understood."

When asked for his thoughts on the incident and the released audio, Brundle told Sky F1: "It's not new news, and also, I think you have to understand that it's not necessarily telling Michael Masi something he didn't already know.

"Let's not assume it's giving Masi information he didn't already