Who will have the F1 race director role in 2022?

How the position will be filled is part of the ongoing investigation into the Abu Dhabi GP controversy, an event that left Masi in the firing line from the sport's insiders and from fans worldwide on social media.

What transpired over the last couple of laps stirred up a wave of criticism that did a lot of damage to the sport at a time that should have been one of its finest hours, with Twitter set ablaze by wild suggestions of a conspiracy.

It's thus perhaps no surprise that F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has taken a close personal interest in how best to resolve the situation.

The Italian had a spell at the FIA before he was headhunted by Liberty Media, and he has a good understanding of how the organisation works. He's been working closely with new president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the latter's key lieutenant, Peter Bayer.

Last week, Bayer, who has served as the FIA's secretary general for sport since 2017 and recently took a more hands-on F1 role as executive director of the single-seater department, gave an intriguing insight into the kind of discussions that are going on.

"He has done a super job," Bayer told journalist Gerhard Kuntschik when asked about Masi.

"We have told him that, but also that there is a possibility that there will be a new race director. I can only make suggestions to the World Council, and they will definitely include him."

He added: "I assured Michael of the federation's backing in our discussions and let him know - we want to continue working with you, but I also need your understanding that we have to deal with the issue."

Bayer also made it clear that even if Masi stays, significant changes are in hand.

Firstly, some of the jobs that he has been doing will be shared out, reducing the burden