Wolff Labels Masi a 'Lunatic' Over 2021 Abu Dhabi GP Controversy

Toto Wolff has reignited the controversy surrounding the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, again criticizing former FIA Race Director Michael Masi for his handling of the race's final moments. Wolff called Masi a "lunatic" who "destroyed the record of the greatest champion of all time," referring to Lewis Hamilton's potential eighth world championship.

Why it matters:

The 2021 Abu Dhabi GP remains one of Formula 1's most contentious races, directly impacting the outcome of the Drivers' Championship in favor of Max Verstappen. Wolff's renewed comments highlight the lasting emotional and professional fallout from that event, underscoring the perceived injustice from Mercedes' perspective and the subsequent struggles of the team.

The Details:

• Controversial Safety Car Decision: Nicholas Latifi's late-race crash triggered a safety car. Regulations at the time dictated that the race should have finished under safety car conditions, which would have secured Hamilton's victory.
• Masi's Intervention: Michael Masi, then Race Director, controversially allowed only the lapped cars between Hamilton (P1) and Verstappen (P2) to unlap themselves. He then expedited safety car procedures, setting up a final-lap shootout.
• Verstappen's Victory: Verstappen capitalized on the opportunity, overtaking Hamilton on the final lap to claim his maiden F1 title, denying Hamilton a record eighth championship.
• Wolff's Strong Words: Speaking to The Telegraph, Wolff stated, "There is one lunatic who can basically destroy the record of the greatest champion of all time." He expressed his profound disappointment, adding that he hasn't "experienced the loss of control of a situation since I was a child."
• FIA Investigation: An FIA investigation admitted "human error" in Masi's decisions, acknowledging that regulations were not strictly followed, though Masi was deemed to have acted in good faith.
• Susie Wolff's Reaction: Toto's wife, Susie Wolff, managing director of the F1 Academy, also shared her dismay, calling the outcome "disbelief" that "one person’s decision to interpret the rules... could have caused such an outcome."
• Mercedes' Subsequent Struggles: Since the 2022 ground-effect regulations, Mercedes has struggled to maintain its dominant position, interrupting a streak of eight Constructors' titles. Wolff admits that seeing rivals collect trophies has been painful.

Between the lines:

Wolff's persistent criticism, even years after the event, reveals the deep psychological impact the 2021 finale had on Mercedes and its key personnel. While Masi was removed from his role, the perception of an unfair outcome continues to fuel a narrative of grievance, especially as Mercedes has not returned to championship-winning form since. The "human error" finding, while acknowledging a mistake, didn't fully satisfy those who felt the integrity of the sport was compromised.

What's next:

While the 2021 controversy is unlikely to be officially revisited, Wolff's comments serve as a reminder of the raw emotions that still exist. For Mercedes, the focus remains on overcoming their current performance challenges to reclaim their competitive edge and move past the lingering shadow of Abu Dhabi.