Opinion: It was hard to see how F1 would ever move on with Michael Masi
Column
First of all, what an absolute farce and shame that this is still rumbling on loudly in the middle of February 2022. Formula 1 finished an all-time great season two full months ago, yet this storyline continues to rule the roost. As a sport, we should be celebrating the phenomenal 2021 season that was frankly a blueprint for all subsequent years. Instead of excitement surrounding the new cars with different rules and regulations, we're left with this lingering sour taste.
Putting it to bed
The FIA's investigation is very important. We have seen some meaningful and conclusive reports, and more importantly actions so the same incident doesn't happen again. On Thursday, the FIA also confirmed that Masi would no longer be race director and that is perhaps the biggest thing Formula 1 could've done to move on. Given the world we live in today, the way the safety car rules were applied at the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix would've continued to have been questioned for as long as Michael Masi was Race Director of Formula 1.
With Lewis Hamilton staying in the sport for at least two more seasons, it would've been absolutely inevitable that he would need to be investigated for an issue on the circuit. If Masi was to remain as race director, then questions would've been asked about how he would react. Was he lenient? He might not intentionally be lenient, but it would've always been in his own mind. If he gave a punishment, rightly or wrongly, there would've been a serious outcry on social media. The incident at Abu Dhabi will be raised into the light time after time.
With Max Verstappen aged 24, who knows how long the Dutchman will remain in F1. It's absolutely inevitable that Masi would've gone through the same process as mentioned above with Hamilton. Every decision made by Masi, regardless of whether it includes Hamilton or/and Verstappen, was set to be analysed deeply by every Formula 1 stakeholder.
Harsh on Masi
Unfortunately for Masi, it was hard to see how it would've been put to bed with the Australian in charge. Since being thrown into the role somewhat surprisingly following the sad passing of Charlie Whiting, Masi has done a very good job. He's dealt with a lot: Romain Grosjean's huge accident in Bahrain, a wet Belgian Grand Prix, and a season-long World Championship title fight. He's got plenty of experience, and that's probably one leg-up he has on everyone else. He's been there and done it now.
The entire problem in Abu Dhabi wasn't his fault. Having constant communication open with teams during each race is a terrible idea, let alone (selectively) broadcasting those communication channels to the world live. That cannot happen. It isn't fair. It was always a can of worms waiting to be opened, and now F1 is well down that path. The report also confirmed that this communication channel would be closed.
Masi was always on his own. It isn't a one-person job. The Race Director needs at least one extra pair of eyes and hands in certain situations. One of those probably being the management of the safety car. Removing the communications, adding some support will allow the race director to improve.
Removing Masi alone won't solve the problem, but it's something that needs to be done to allow Formula 1 to move on from this. Let's remember F1 2021 for the right reasons.