Michael Masi named head of sporting for SRO Motorsports Australia

Michael Masi, the former FIA Formula 1 race director whose name became synonymous with the dramatic 2021 Abu Dhabi finale, has landed a new leadership role. He has been appointed head of sporting for SRO Motorsports Australia, the organisation that runs GT World Challenge Australia as part of the Shannons SpeedSeries.

Masi's appointment is effective immediately, with an official handover underway before he takes on the role full-time in 2027. He will be responsible for rules and regulations, oversee race officials including stewards, and align SRO Motorsports Australia with the wider SRO Global processes, procedures, and best practices.

Why it matters:

Masi's return to the spotlight comes after he was removed from his F1 race director position following the FIA's investigation into the controversial conclusion of the 2021 season. His decision to allow lapped cars to unlap themselves before the final lap in Abu Dhabi set up a last-lap overtake that handed Max Verstappen the title over Lewis Hamilton, sparking one of the most debated moments in F1 history.

Now, he's stepping back into a senior motorsport role, this time in the Australian GT paddock. SRO Motorsports Australia CEO Ben McMellan believes Masi's experience from "decades spent in top positions of motorsport" will help take GT racing in Australia to the next level.

The details:

• Masi will attend the final two rounds of the 2026 season in Sydney and Adelaide as part of his handover process.
• He assumes the role from Abi Hay, who McMellan thanked for her contributions over the past three years, saying the organisation wouldn't be in its current position without her.
• Masi held the F1 race director role between 2019 and 2021, before returning to Australia and taking on various roles in Australian and New Zealand motorsport.
• He described the opportunity as "extremely exciting" and said he's looking forward to building on the strong foundations already established.

What's next:

Masi will work alongside the existing team and stakeholders to implement positive initiatives during the handover period. With full-time duties beginning in 2027, his focus will be on continuing the growth of GT racing in Australia and ensuring SRO Motorsports Australia operates in line with SRO Global standards.

"GT racing in Australia has been on a steady rise," Masi said. "I'm confident there is plenty of opportunity to continue building on the strong foundations that have already been established."