F1 'wrong' to scapegoat Masi says Perez
Feb.25 - Formula 1 is struggling to turn the page in the wake of Michael Masi's controversial ousting as race director.
Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to the 2021 crown following Australian Masi's disputed handling of the late safety car in Abu Dhabi, triggering fury and an FIA investigation.
While Hamilton was still grumbling about official "bias" as the 2022 pre-season kicked off this week in Barcelona, his own boss Toto Wolff plus Red Bull's Christian Horner called for a calming of tensions.
Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto also thinks it's time to turn the page.
"We've been talking about this topic for too long," said the Italian. "I think it's time now to turn the attention to the new season and cars.
"But first of all, we must emphasise that we are not talking about Michael's dismissal, but about personnel changes within the federation. Michael continues to work there, although now he has a different role.
"I have no doubt that he will cope with it."
The Italian added that he has "trust" in the FIA's push to improve its processes, insisting that "all teams took part in this discussion at the Formula 1 Commission".
"All this doesn't mean Masi did something wrong," Binotto said. "I think it's just about always looking for improvement."
Red Bull's Horner recently described the Masi ousting as "harsh" - and his drivers appear to also agree.
"I think it has to be said," Sergio Perez commented. "The role that Michael had and the way he was exposed to the public - I don't think a race director has ever in the history of F1 had so much publicity like that.
"The pressure was huge. I think maybe we were all wrong there," added the Mexican. "Maybe we didn't give him the support he deserved at that time."
World champion Verstappen added: "It's very unfair what happened to Michael. He's really been thrown under the bus.
"Everyone tries to do the best job they can but can you imagine a referee with all the coaches screaming in his ears 'yellow card! Red card! No foul!'
"It's impossible to work like that. The people who sacked him allowed it in the first place - I think that's unacceptable. I find it really incredible," the Dutchman insisted.
"I feel really sorry for Michael because he was a very capable and good race director."
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Liberty created the monster, and that's where the blame should layThe Fia are just puppets for them
Valid points, although criticism was equally justified.
What other response would we expect from RB? I guess that Horny and the doc screeching about poor race control during the season was .....well, what was it?
The Race Director ruled by the FIA F1 regulations and was harassed by Horner and Wolff, period.
We all were upset at one race or another, which is perfectly normal when watching sports because we all like to express our opinions. In the end, we have to respect the decisions of Masi and blame Horner and Wolff for trying to influence his decisions.
There's no justice in condemning Masi, and taking away his job. More support for him, in providing him more assistance, would be more respectful. Now it seems Mercedes demanded the FIA to sack Masi from his duties.
Painfully for FIA and Masi.
Oh poor poor Masi. Cry me a river! Masi deservedly got axed for his incompetence. But it's because Hamilton's influence power played a role in it that really irks those now yapping about 'unfairness'. Oh the irony smh. Move on.
Let's get this fresh start going.
Exactly, who the hell does Hamilton think he is to use his 7 times world titlement to influence Masi's sacking just because he was the one that missed out why can't he just shut 👆 up. All you read is Lewis this & Lewis that give us a break.
Donalf, don't rise to Mrs Jax, she only wats a response, if we all ignore her Bullshite shell get bored eventually .
Thanks shropp I'll take that on board.
You have to be the saddest most hateful muppet on the internet shoddypost.
You want a break? Go watch another sport smart guy Lol.
I got a new name for Masi. The Crikey headless Chicken. Because Sir Lewis had his head chopped off guillotine style. 😄
And the way MBS did it a day before Merc launched their new car was absolutely beautiful timing. Sir Lewis gave the order, MBS as Axeman executed it to perfection. Superb.
Masi was clearly unable to cope with the pressure he was under during the race, hence he made a very poor decision and we are where we are today. Someone who can't handle pressure is no good in that job, so he simply had to go.
I don't remember Lewis saying that he wanted Masi sacked? maybe I missed that. It would be most unlike him anyway, I am sure many of the fans asked for his sacking but that just shows the strong feelings that were around in relation to this situation and why something significant had to happen.
Lewis is smart and savvy enough to not utter out loud that he'd want Masi axed. He generally knows when to be outspoken and when to be subtle with his point. His silence was deafening, and MBS obviously got the point loud and clear. You think it's a coincidence Masi 'officially' got sacked the day before Merc launched their car?
It's Lewis's ability to achieve things like this that really piss of his detractors. They despise his power. As alluded to by a fella in a post above.
Your point would never stand up in court though, if he didn't say it he didn't say it. He went dark for a while I imagine to lick his wounds, who wouldn't but if by not speaking he was hoping people would react in a particular way, well, what's the chances? Damn sure it wouldn't work for me but maybe he has powers beyond the normal :)
Of course he didn't literally say anything. That's the point. When I said he gave the FIA boss the order I meant figuratively. I said it in jest my friend. Lol smh. That should've been obvious but maybe you're new here.
You can just shut the f*ck up Checo! Sucking Helmut's *ss will help you though...
Typical sir Lulu classic, loads the gun but don't fire the bullets., then hides away until bullets have done their damage, nothing to do with me says Sir Lulu.
These being the invisible bullets, from the invisible gun,'figuratively speaking' of course :)
Haha, good shot matie.