Credits: IMAGO / Every Second Media
The 2021 F1 season was set up for a brilliant finale in Abu Dhabi, with title rivals Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen heading into the race equal on points. Unfortunately, the race’s ending was marred by a series of questionable calls made by then race director Michael Masi. Nearly three years later, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is still bitter about the incident and doesn’t have a positive image of the Australian.
Advertisement
Wolff did not hold back while launching a scathing attack on Masi, his work ethics, and also his ego. As per Motorsport, the Austrian said,
“That individual did not follow the rules and let all that happen. He is a totally inconsequential person: he lives on the other side of the world and no one is interested in He really was a pathological egomaniac.”
Advertisement
Hamilton spent the majority of the race in P1. But a late race safety car, followed by Masi’s blunder effectively handed Verstappen the win. To date, fans and experts don’t understand how Masi, a race director, could have such an impact on the outcome of the biggest prize in motorsports.
Verstappen won the title that evening, and it was a glorious moment for the Dutchman. Sadly for him, all anyone could talk about after the race was how Masi influenced his win.
The FIA removed Masi from his position as race director after months of public outrage. Furthermore, the governing body of the sport downplayed the catastrophic blunder, labeling it as ‘human error’.
Masi is now the chairman of the V8 Supercars Commission in Australia. Since losing his job in F1, Masi has often been spotted at the Albert Park paddock in Melbourne, and the journalists asked Hamilton if he would go over and speak to the man directly responsible for the loss of his 8th title. To his, Hamilton said he is only focused on the future.
Advertisement
Toto Wolff not the only one still upset over the incident
Speaking to GQ recently, Hamilton recalled the fateful evening in Abu Dhabi. He didn’t mince his words, as he claimed he was “robbed” of his 8th world championship. Critics, to this day, feel that the race should have ended under the safety car, given there wasn’t enough time for all the cars to unlap themselves.
Amidst the chaos that haunts Hamilton even today, there was one silver lining for him. His father stood by his side as the two of them went through “this huge roller coaster of life together.” Hamilton added that was the day that hurt him the most in his F1 career.
The Mercedes driver was one lap away from becoming a record eight-time world champion. He lost it all because of someone else’s fault, and the thought lingers in his mind. To add insult to injury, the Briton has failed to win a race ever since the incident and looks unlikely to change that in 2024.
News
Inside David and Victoria’s purple Robin Hood-themed 1999 wedding with baby Brooklyn and famous thrones
DAVID and Victoria Beckham have been spotted sorting out the last minute preparations for their son Brooklyn’s wedding. It comes two decades after the celebrity couple were…
Victoria Beckham shares sweet family snaps as she prepares for ‘an exciting weekend’ ahead of Brooklyn’s wedding
VICTORIA Beckham has gushed over the family’s “exciting weekend” with a sweet series of snaps as eldest son Brooklyn prepares to get married. The photographer, 23, who…
Brooklyn Beckham surprises fiancée Nicola with tattoo dedicated to her late grandmother
Brooklyn Beckham has touched the heart of his fiancée Nicola Peltz by getting a tattoo tribute to her late grandmother, Gina. The 22-year-old celebrity offspring of David and Victoria…
How Victoria Beckham is coaching Harper, 12, for stardom – A-list pals to designer wardrobe
Victoria Beckham is said to be giving daughter Harper a crash course in how be a successful A-Lister – but it seems talent has nothing to do…
Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz’s hand-written note for Selena Gomez as she quits social media
Selena Gomez has given a glimpse inside her friendship with Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham, sharing a note that she was seemingly left at their home. The actor, 31,…
Brooklyn Beckham drops huge cooking bombshell ahead of first restaurant opening
Brooklyn Beckham has sensationally revealed that he has never been professionally taught how to cook, despite opening his first restaurant in just a few days. According to the…
End of content
No more pages to load