12 Facts About Michael Masi

Michael Masi was born on 8 June 1978 and is an Australian motorsports official.

Michael Masi was removed from his position following an FIA analysis into his application of safety car procedure at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Michael Masi was born in Sydney in 1978 and is of Italian descent.

Michael Masi began his career in motor racing volunteering for Super Touring teams while still at school.

Michael Masi worked as deputy race director in the Supercars touring car racing series and at Rally Australia.

Michael Masi alternated in this role between Grands Prix with Scot Elkins, who would become the race director for Formula E and the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters.

Michael Masi was criticized for negotiating with teams to change positions during the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

On 17 February 2022, Michael Masi was removed from his role as Race Director following an FIA analysis into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Michael Masi was replaced by Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas as race directors on an alternating basis for the 2022 Formula One season, and Herbie Blash as Permanent Senior Advisor to them.

On 19 March 2022, the FIA published their official report into the Abu Dhabi controversy, concluding that Michael Masi had incorrectly applied regulations, in that not all lapped cars had unlapped themselves, and the safety car had not completed one additional lap before coming back into the pitlane.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff subsequently referred to Michael Masi as having been a "liability" to Formula One and stated that Michael Masi did not take well to receiving feedback or criticism from anybody, as well as suggesting that he had acted disrespectfully at times towards some drivers in briefings.

In July 2022, Michael Masi left the FIA in order to relocate to Australia and spend more time with his family.