FIA Secretary General Calls Out the F1 Fans on Social Media Who Sent Death Threats to Nicholas Latifi and Michael Masi

There has been a lot of controversy since the conclusion of the 2021 F1 season. The 2021 championship was decided in a controversial manner when F1 director Michael Masi intervened to change the complexion of the dramatic final race in Abu Dhabi. The decision appalled a large section of the fans, and they took to social media to express their anger.

But some fans went a bit too far and sent death threats to Williams driver Nicholas Latifi. Latifi was the driver who brought out the safety car after crashing on the final sector with five laps to go. FIA Secretary General Peter Bayer mentioned he understands what the F1 race director is going through.

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FIA Secretary General defends F1 Race Director Michael Masi

As reported by Motorsport-Total, Peter Bayer defended Michael Masi as he mentioned that nobody likes to be a race director as you get no sympathy. He also mentioned that Michael does not have an account, so he cannot defend himself or give an explanation.

“And as a police officer, you rarely get any sympathy. What has become unbearable are the reactions on social media, which stop at nothing, as you saw with the death threats against Williams driver Latifi,” said Bayer.

“Michael doesn’t have an account, but the hostility in other channels really hit him. In our conversations, I assured him of the support of the association and let him know: We want to continue working with you, but I also need your understanding that we do that subject to investigate,” said Peter.

Well, nobody deserves to get death threats even if their actions seem unfair in the context of a sport. Rather, the FIA needs to review the rules and regulations to prevent such confusion from happening again.

F1 fans should know acceptable boundaries and not go after Latifi and Masi with threats. Hopefully, with the conclusion of the FIA investigation, we might have some answers to the controversial decision.

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