Former F1 race director Michael Masi is out at FIA after contentious 2021 Abu Dhabi finale, but it was not his first controversy. Here's a complete timeline.

Cork GainesJul 14, 2022, 01:24 IST

Former F1 race director Michael Masi.Clive Mason/Getty Images

The FIA has confirmed that Michael Masi is no longer with the organization.
A statement said Masi is leaving to be closer to his family and take on "new challenges."
Masi was the race director during the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that decided the F1 championship.

Former Formula One race director Michael Masi is out at the FIA, ending a three-year, tumultuous tenure overseeing races at the sport's pinnacle.

FIA

Masi replaced Charlie Whiting as F1's race director in 2019.

Charlie WhitingClive Mason/Getty Images

While drivers generally appeared to like Masi, his tenure was often marred by what some thought were inconsistent enforcement of the rules.

Lando Norris forces Sergio Perez off the track during the 2021 Austrian Grand Prix.ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images

There were also complaints of inconsistency that plagued the Lewis Hamilton-Max Verstappen title chase in 2021.

Max Verstappen (foreground) races Lewis Hamilton during the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2021.Clive Mason - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

Track limits controversies hung over the series all season.

Mattia BinottoMarco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images

McLaren also complained about the inconsistency when it came to yellow flag penalties during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2021.

Lando Norris during the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images

Masi also came under fire for allowing teams to have an open line to him during races.

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen get tangled on opening lap of 2021 British Grand Prix.F1TV

In 2020, drivers were cleared to start a qualifying session even though there was a crane still on the track.

F1TV

Another complaint of inconsistency was how Masi handled safety cars.

A safety car leads drivers at the German Grand Prix in 2020.WOLFGANG RATTAY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

F1 also narrowly missed disaster at the 2020 Imola GP when cars were seen zooming past marshals still on the track.

F1TV

Drivers complained about the dangerous situation that was created during a safety car at the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix and again accused the FIA of trying to artificially increase drama.

The most notable incident is the safety car controversy at the 20201 Abu Dhabi race that ended Masi's stint as race director.

F1TV

After the 2021 season, some drivers defended Masi and blamed the pressure he was under to put on a good show.

Daniel Ricciardo.Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Masi was later removed as race director and the FIA announced that he would be moved to a new position.

FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem.JURE MAKOVEC/AFP via Getty Images

While it was initially announced that Masi would be reassigned, he is now out of FIA completely.

Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

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Former F1 race director Michael Masi is out at FIA after contentious 2021 Abu Dhabi finale, but it was not his first controversy. Here's a complete timeline.

Former Formula One race director Michael Masi is out at the FIA, ending a three-year, tumultuous tenure overseeing races at the sport's pinnacle.

Masi replaced Charlie Whiting as F1's race director in 2019.

While drivers generally appeared to like Masi, his tenure was often marred by what some thought were inconsistent enforcement of the rules.

There were also complaints of inconsistency that plagued the Lewis Hamilton-Max Verstappen title chase in 2021.

Track limits controversies hung over the series all season.

McLaren also complained about the inconsistency when it came to yellow flag penalties during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2021.

Masi also came under fire for allowing teams to have an open line to him during races.

In 2020, drivers were cleared to start a qualifying session even though there was a crane still on the track.

Another complaint of inconsistency was how Masi handled safety cars.

F1 also narrowly missed disaster at the 2020 Imola GP when cars were seen zooming past marshals still on the track.

Drivers complained about the dangerous situation that was created during a safety car at the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix and again accused the FIA of trying to artificially increase drama.

The most notable incident is the safety car controversy at the 20201 Abu Dhabi race that ended Masi's stint as race director.

After the 2021 season, some drivers defended Masi and blamed the pressure he was under to put on a good show.

Masi was later removed as race director and the FIA announced that he would be moved to a new position.

While it was initially announced that Masi would be reassigned, he is now out of FIA completely.