Toto Wolff Labels Masi a 'Lunatic' Over 2021 Abu Dhabi F1 Finale

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has reignited the controversy surrounding the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, referring to former race director Michael Masi as a "lunatic" who "destroyed the record of the greatest champion of all time." Nearly four years on, Wolff's comments underscore the lingering bitterness within Mercedes over the race that saw Max Verstappen clinch his first F1 title and denied Lewis Hamilton a record eighth championship.

Why it matters:

• The 2021 Abu Dhabi GP remains one of F1's most contentious moments, with its fallout significantly impacting Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton. Wolff's continued strong remarks highlight that the scars from that event are still fresh, influencing team dynamics and F1's perception of fairness.
• The controversy led to Michael Masi's removal and changes in race direction protocols, but the emotional impact, particularly on Mercedes and Hamilton, persists, coloring their view of F1 history.

The Details:

• The Incident: In the final laps of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP, a late safety car period led to Masi's controversial decision to allow only lapped cars between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen to unlap themselves. This set up a one-lap shootout where Verstappen, on fresh tires, overtook Hamilton to win the championship.
• Wolff's Reaction: Wolff's famous radio message, "No Michael, no! That is so not right!" became iconic. His recent comments to The Telegraph reflect a deeply personal sense of injustice, stating, "I have not experienced the loss of control of a situation since I was a child. There is one lunatic who can basically destroy the record of the greatest champion of all time."
• Official Review: An FIA report into the incident concluded that Masi made a "human error" but acted in "good faith." However, this finding has done little to soothe the emotions of those directly impacted.
• Susie Wolff's Perspective: Susie Wolff, F1 Academy managing director and Toto's wife, also expressed her disbelief, saying, "That one person’s decision to interpret the rules, in a way that they had never been interpreted before, could have caused such an outcome. It sat so heavily with me, for a long time afterwards."

Between the Lines:

• Wolff's use of such strong language nearly four years after the event indicates that for Mercedes, the 2021 finale isn't just a historical footnote but an ongoing source of frustration and a perceived injustice that fundamentally altered Hamilton's legacy.
• The comments also suggest that despite the passage of time and Hamilton's impending move to Ferrari, the emotional weight of that race continues to be a defining moment for the Mercedes team principal.

What's next:

• While the incident is officially closed, Wolff's continued outspokenness ensures it will remain a talking point in F1 discussions. The lingering sentiment could further fuel the competitive rivalry within the sport, especially as Hamilton prepares for a new chapter with Ferrari. The emotional fallout from 2021 will likely remain a significant narrative thread in F1 for years to come.