'We might use him' - Mohammed ben Sulayem says door open for Michael Masi to return to Formula 1

Formula 1 supremo Mohammed ben Sulayem has suggested there could be a route back into the sport for Michael Masi. Masi was axed by F1 in February following an investigation into his controversial handling of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December. Ad/> The Australian official took the decision to bypass the rulebook and allow only the lapped cars between race leader Lewis Hamilton and his title rival Max Verstappen to unlap themselves, to set up a final-lap shootout.

Formula 1'Issues we have to solve' — Verstappen concerned by reliability of his Red Bull car11/05/2022 AT 15:10 On old tyres, Hamilton was a sitting duck as Verstappen scorched past to claim the title. Hamilton’s Mercedes team fumed, and threatened to launch legal action. That ultimately did not happen, but following an enquiry an FIA report ruled Masi had incorrectly applied regulations.

Verstappen concerned by Red Bull reliability Hamilton: We have not taken a step forward yet His removal as race director suggested his career in F1 was over, but Ben Sulayem has suggested that might not be the case. “I didn't get rid of Michael,” Ben Sulayem told Sportsmail. “He had a personal overload (of work) — safety delegate as well as race director.

He made a mistake. It is not as if we said it is the end of Masi with the FIA. “I don't know Michael very well.

The decision (to sack him as race director) was made by the World Council. It was human error on Michael's part. “I spoke to him (Masi) two days ago.

I have no personal issue (with him). I don't hate anyone. “Michael is there and we might use him.

I didn't say we were getting rid of him. I said we might use him. He may be in a good place to use.