Ever since the 2021 season finale, things have not looked up for Michael Masi. The former Race Director made the safety car call that saw Max Verstappen be crowned world champion. Since then Masi has been removed from his position as FIA Race Director. Now the Australian has taken a step further and decided to resign from the FIA altogether.
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His reason for calling it quits was, “…leave the FIA and relocate to Australia to be closer to his family and take on new challenges,” as mentioned in a statement by the FIA. However the FIA also went on to thank Masi for his services during his 3 year tenure as FIA Race Director.
The fans have actually enjoyed this announcement. Or should we say Lewis fans did? Moreover, have been letting their feelings known on the internet.
Twitter reacts to Michael Masi’s resignation announcement
Michael Masi arguably became a public enemy number 1 overnight. This happened after his call to change the safety car restart procedure at the Abu Dhabi GP.
According to many, this handed Max Verstappen the title and left Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, and their fans fuming. However, since then, Michael Masi has been removed as the FIA Race Director. And now the Australian has decided to resign from the FIA itself.
The Hamilton fans have particularly enjoyed this piece of news. In their opinion, Hamilton deserved the title in 2021.
michael masi is out and everyone cheered! pic.twitter.com/hm09w1jCyj
— nes (@mariannesmahler) July 12, 2022
So Michael Masi left the FIA:#F1 pic.twitter.com/EPT5VF71ez
— Mickey (@mislavbirt) July 12, 2022
Michael Masi unemployed??
things you just love to see pic.twitter.com/8ziEMybWQn
— chloe⁴⁴ (@chloeteamlh) July 12, 2022
“It’s called motor racing Toto,we went motor racing” its called unemployment Michael Masi, your now jobless….🤣 pic.twitter.com/px5yjXGUh5
— paulyne🐉🇹🇿 (@paulyne777) July 12, 2022
Michael Masi is gone. Who is next? pic.twitter.com/ZVZq13X9Mi
— megs.🤍 (@megscedes_) July 12, 2022
Michael Masi sliding into early retirement like pic.twitter.com/dHz6DkbCJP
— Dirty Air F1 Podcast (@VeryDirtyAir) July 12, 2022
Amid all this, the former FIA Race Director found supporters for him as well. Moreover, they believed that he was treated in an unfair manner.
With the news of Michael Masi leaving the FIA I have to say I find that he’s been treated so harshly and I don’t think he deserved it.
So Michael, I wish you well for the future and have fun!— Dani🦦🫧 (@formulad4ni) July 12, 2022
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Oh and Michael Masi has left the FIA. A darn shame he became the scapegoat for a lot of internal problems inside the organisation.
Wait sorry, this is Twitter. Merry Christmas to everyone still mad at Abu Dhabi. #F1
— Dre Harrison (@Harrison101HD) July 12, 2022
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Although the real reason behind Masi leaving might be gray, it was wonderful at the time to see Masi step up as the race director after the sudden passing away of Charlie Whiting in 2019.