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Lewis Hamilton title villain lands new role after Abu Dhabi 2021 controversy
Former F1 race director Michael Masi, known for the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, has secured a new role. He faced criticism for decisions that impacted Lewis Hamilton’s chance of winning an eighth world championship, ultimately leading to Max Verstappen’s victory. Masi’s actions during the season-ending race caused a stir, prompting his departure ahead of the 2022 season after leading from 2019-2021. He will now serve as event director for the Repco NextGen NZ Championship, overseeing New Zealand-based categories. At Abu Dhabi 2021, Masi’s late safety car call allowed Verstappen to overtake Hamilton on fresh tires in a dramatic last lap, leading to Verstappen’s first world title. Despite leaving his F1 role amidst controversy, Masi looks forward to contributing to the development of motorsport in New Zealand, emphasizing the country’s rich sporting heritage.
