Toto Wolff Reignites Feud with Ex-Race Director Michael Masi: 'A Lunatic'

Nearly four years after arguably the most controversial finale in Formula 1 history, Toto Wolff's frustration remains palpable. The Mercedes team principal, in a recent interview with The Telegraph, once again leveled sharp criticism at former race director Michael Masi, labeling him a "lunatic."

The backdrop to this enduring anger is the infamous 2021 Abu Dhabi season finale, where Max Verstappen secured the world championship on the final lap, snatching what seemed like a guaranteed eighth title from Lewis Hamilton. "I haven't experienced losing control of a situation since I was a child," Wolff reflected. "There's a lunatic who can basically destroy the record of the greatest champion of all time."

Why it matters:

The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains a raw nerve in Formula 1, especially for Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton. Wolff's strong remarks highlight the lasting impact of Masi's controversial decisions on the sport's integrity and on the career of one of its most celebrated drivers. This ongoing debate underscores the deep-seated grievances that continue to resonate within the F1 paddock.

The Details:

• The Controversial Restart: Following a late Safety Car period, Masi made the unprecedented decision to allow only certain lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to unlap themselves, setting up a direct one-lap shootout for the title. This reversed an earlier decision to not allow any unlapping.
• Wolff's Outcry: Wolff's now-legendary radio message, "No, Michael, no! That is so not right!", captured the disbelief and outrage felt by the Mercedes team at the time.
• Masi's Dismissal: Masi was removed from his role shortly after the 2021 season. A subsequent FIA report acknowledged "human error" but maintained that Masi had acted "in good faith."
• Lingering Distrust: Wolff, even after four years, maintains that Masi's decision fundamentally damaged the sport.
• Susie Wolff's Perspective: Toto's wife, Susie Wolff, CEO of F1 Academy, also recalled her unease: "It was disbelief. That one person's decision, interpreting the rules in a way that had never been applied before, could cause such an outcome. That stayed with me for a long time."

The Big Picture:

The 2021 Abu Dhabi controversy didn't just decide a championship; it exposed significant flaws in race direction and ignited a global debate about the fairness and consistency of F1's officiating. While the FIA has since reformed its race control structure, the deep emotional scars, particularly for those directly involved like Wolff and Hamilton, clearly persist. The incident continues to be a benchmark for discussions around regulatory clarity and accountability in high-stakes sporting events.

What's next:

While Michael Masi is no longer involved in F1, Wolff's recent comments suggest that the emotional wound from 2021 remains open for Mercedes. This enduring sentiment will likely continue to color interactions and perspectives within the F1 community whenever the topic of race control or past controversies arises. It also serves as a reminder of the immense pressure and scrutiny faced by those in officiating roles in a sport with such passionate stakeholders.