Masi’s tricky role in the intense F1 title fight needs to be understood

Masi has been criticized for the way the race restarted after the late safety car for a one-lap sprint to the finish in which Max Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton and took the world title.

The dramatic finale of the 2021 season came after a series of phone calls regarding racing incidents and other matters that put the functioning of race officials at the center of attention.

Seidl said he was happy with the way Masi dealt with the teams and stressed that the task was a “tricky” one.

He also said it wasn’t fair to judge Masi in the context of the “intense fight” for this year’s World Cup.

“From our point of view, without commenting now on what happened [in Abu Dhabi] We appreciate the open and transparent dialogue that we have had with Michael all year round and in previous years, ”said Seidl.

“And we were also very happy with the way he handles things, not just with us, but with all the teams in the paddock in general.

“I think we have to be very careful that this intense battle for the championship, which was very intense on and off the track and of course triggered a lot of heated comments, doesn’t give a false picture of reality.

“From our point of view, we are once again very satisfied with the way Michael deals with us. He asks for our input and is always ready to listen to improvements. That’s how I see it. “

Andreas Seidl, Team Principal, McLaren

Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images

Seidl also responded to suggestions that Masi’s late predecessor Charlie Whiting had done a better job, with Red Bull boss Christian Horner in Saudi Arabia hinting that the latter was missed.

“I also don’t think it’s fair to comment on how everything was different and better in the past. I think it’s good now and it was good in the past.

“It is a very tricky job to be the race director in such an intense battle that we have seen this year. I think that’s something to keep in mind. “

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Former world champion and GPDA director Sebastian Vettel thought it was wrong to compare the decisions made by the FIA ​​this year with those of the past.

“I think everyone has an opinion,” said the German. “I think leave the stewards alone, it’s tough enough. Ideally, we would like more consistency, but there is also a human side.

“So it’s probably difficult to get it 100% right. But it has to be our goal, so we have to see what we can improve.

“But I don’t think it’s been any better or worse than the past, with the exception of the cash fines for referrals. I don’t know, it’s just unnecessary.

“I think it’s stupid to ask 10,000, 50,000, 25,000. I would like to see the receipt of what happens to the money!”