Michael Masi, the former Director of Formula 1 Racing. Photo: File
Former director of Formula 1 racing Michele Massi revealed that he received death threats on social media following the controversial decision in the race that defined last season’s world championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021, when Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claimed his first world title since overtaking Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton on the last lap after a controversial restart.
The Brit was driving comfortably until Nicholas Latifi’s crash brought the safety car five laps to go. Verstappen took advantage of the yellow flag for the tire change. Masi reversed his decision and allowed the five drivers separating Verstappen from Hamilton to pass the safety car under a yellow flag. But not at eight, which would take longer.
The International Automobile Federation has established that Masi has committed a “human error”, but who acted in good faith. Masi was removed from his duties and resigned from the FIA three weeks ago to return to Australia.
Hamilton’s resignation and Verstappen’s joy after the race that cost Michael Masi his job. Photo: AFP
In an interview by NewsCorp from Australia, the 44-year-old Australian said he felt “the most hated person in the world”, detailing the degree of hostility he received in hundreds of offensive messages.
“They were shocking. Racist, violent, cowardly, they insulted me with everything. Even with death threats. People who said they would come for me and my family.”He observed Masi. And I add: “And they didn’t stop. Not just on my Facebook, but also on my LinkedIn, which is supposed to be a professional platform for business. Same kind of abuse.”.
The interview with Sunday telegraph shown screenshots of some of the messages. Masi said he was relieved not to have profiles on other networks.
Verstappen sees the checkered flag and Masi’s nightmare begins. Photo: EFE
“Luckily I don’t have an Instagram account. I don’t even have a Twitter account. Being old school I have Facebook, which I use to keep in touch with my family and friends. I open my messages to see how I’m doing. I didn’t know I could receiving messages from people I don’t know. I came across hundreds of messages. ”
Massi said the next stress was enormous, they were about to attack, ” he confessed.
Masi cannot talk about the Abu Dhabi decision due to a confidentiality agreement signed with the FIA. “The whole experience made me a stronger person”She said.
Source: AP
Source: Clarin
