Almost a year on from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and tremors are still being felt following arguably the most controversial result in Formula 1 history.
Michael Masi oversaw his last event as F1 race director at Yas Marina Circuit, where it was his decisions that led to Max Verstappen claiming his first world championship. It's now been claimed Masi signed a non-disclosure agreement with the FIA to never discuss the race, which many fans have interpreted as further evidence that Lewis Hamilton was dealt a major injustice in the 2021 title decider.
Australia's Daily Telegraph reported on the NDA as part of a new interview with Masi, who was sacked as race director on the eve of the 2022 campaign. Motorsport's governing body has been criticised for its failure to properly address the 'Decider in the Desert', and these latest developments have given fans fresh ammunition.
"Masi signing an NDA makes perfect sense, and also reinforces the claim that F1 journalists were threatened with defamation if they explicitly addressed it," wrote one irate follower. "As the days go by, the stain that is the 2021 season, and Abu Dhabi GP, only gets bigger on F1's legacy."
Television personality Nick Knowles, who presents BBC One's DIY SOS , responded to a tweet decrying the Abu Dhabi debacle: "And then the @fia covered it with an NDA with Masi. I wonder if @SkySportsF1 will ask [new FIA president] @Ben_Sulayem why Masi was asked to sign an NDA in his new era of openness?"
Hamilton, 37, came back in the second half of the 2021 campaign to sit level on points with Verstappen heading into the Abu Dhabi GP. He held a convincing lead when Masi made the decision unlap all cars between him and the trailing Verstappen following a late Safety Car, all but handing Verstappen his maiden crown.
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The outcome deprived Hamilton of what would have been a record-breaking eighth world title. Mercedes have struggled to be relevant this season in the wake of new regulations, with fresh doubt Hamilton will ever pull clear of joint-record-holder Michael Schumacher on seven championships.
Masi told the Daily Telegraph he received "hundreds of messages" targeting him with abuse in the wake of Abu Dhabi, including death threats against him and his family. The 44-year-old is no longer associated with the FIA but is hopeful for what the future holds.
“The whole experience has made me a much stronger person,” concluded Masi. “I have a number of exciting options going forward. I am considering a number of different projects, both domestic and globally. My intention is to base myself out of Australia and to use all the skills I have gained in what has been an incredible journey so far and one I am extremely proud and thankful for.”
