Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff harshly criticizes Michael Masi, saying ahead of Abu Dhabi GP that a “real race director” has been born in F1 criticized.
Masi was relieved of his position at the end of the 2021 season after the huge title battle between Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and Silver Arrows’ Lewis Hamilton came to a controversial end.
During the race, which Verstappen won on the final lap to claim his first world title, Wolff was complaining passionately about Masi on the radio.
“Michael, No!” echoed in living rooms around the world when the race director at the time decided to let the lapped cars pass the safety car, leaving Verstappen just behind Hamilton on fresher tires. It was broadcast.
Now, ahead of this year’s final race of the season at Yas Marina Circuit, Mercedes are once again embroiled in an intense battle, but it’s a completely different battle.
With one race weekend remaining, the Brackley-based team is battling Ferrari for second place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Wolff’s Jibe
After the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Wolff gave a brief nod to the aftermath of his mashi while expressing his excitement for the finale.
As quoted by RaceFans, Wolff told the media: “We have the right race leaders, so I think we’ll go to the finish line with about even points, and we’ll be fine with that.”
“Then let’s race. It all depends on last weekend.” They were very fast and did a good job. I think we played evenly today.
“But the results showed something different. So, let’s go racing.”
“To be honest, it would be nice to achieve second place as a positive end to the season, but.., second place, third place are trivial things for me… it doesn’t give me special pleasure still.”