Former FIA Deputy Calls Michael Masi a Scapegoat in Abu Dhabi 2021 Fallout

Michael Masi, the FIA race director dismissed after the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, has received a vigorous defence from former deputy Niels Wittich, who says the former official was unfairly cast as the sole culprit for the season‑ending controversy.

Why it matters:

• The Abu Dhabi finale decided the 2021 drivers’ championship, so any perceived procedural error reverberates across the sport’s credibility.
• Masi’s removal set a precedent for how the FIA handles race‑direction mistakes, influencing future governance and the autonomy of officials.
• Wittich’s comments expose internal tensions within the FIA, raising questions about the body’s support for its staff during high‑pressure moments.

The details:

• On Lap 57 a safety‑car period was triggered by Nicholas Latifi’s crash. Verstappen pitted for fresh softs, Hamilton stayed out on worn hards.
• Masi initially announced that the five lapped cars between the two contenders would not be allowed to un‑lap themselves, then reversed the decision, allowing them to pass and restarting the race on the very next lap – the final lap under green‑flag conditions.
• FIA’s post‑race probe flagged “human error” and led to Masi’s dismissal before the 2022 season, while Verstappen’s title remained unchanged.
• Wittich, who succeeded Masi as deputy and later as race director, argues the regulations gave Masi discretion over safety‑car deployment and that his actions matched the consensus among teams: finish races under green‑flag conditions whenever possible.
• He also points out that a red‑flag would have required a safety threat or a blocked track – conditions not met in Abu Dhabi – making the safety‑car decision the only viable option.

What's next:

• The FIA has since introduced a two‑person race‑direction model and clarified safety‑car procedures, but debates over consistency linger.
• Wittich’s public criticism may fuel calls for a more transparent review process and stronger backing for race officials.
• As the sport moves toward a new technical era in 2026, the Abu Dhabi episode remains a cautionary tale about the balance between rule‑book precision and on‑track judgement.