Wolff reveals he tried to 'guide' Michael Masi before Abu Dhabi 2021

Toto Wolff has revealed he spent 2021 trying to "guide" Michael Masi, warning the race director against stubborn and arrogant decisions. After Abu Dhabi, he concluded Masi was doing his own thing. Wolff's comments come as Masi prepares to return to motorsport with SRO Motorsports Australia in 2027.

Why it matters:

Abu Dhabi 2021 remains one of F1's most controversial moments, deciding the title between Verstappen and Hamilton. Wolff's account shows how team bosses tried to influence the race director — and why it failed. The fallout got Masi removed before 2022.

The details:

• On the High Performance Podcast, Wolff said he told Masi to listen to drivers and avoid being "stubborn" or "arrogant."
• Wolff stressed he wasn't the only one offering support, but Masi made his own calls.
• He called Abu Dhabi "inexcusable," though he had empathy for Masi's position.
• Masi was recently named head of sporting for SRO Motorsports Australia, starting in 2027.
• Wolff said he no longer cares about Masi, but admitted he thinks about Abu Dhabi every week.

What's next:

Wolff maintained both Verstappen and Hamilton were deserving champions in 2021, but "that afternoon in Abu Dhabi was unfair." With Masi moving on to SRO Motorsports Australia, the scars of that race remain fresh for Mercedes.