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Michael Masi’s handling of the controversial, title-deciding 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been defended.
Former F1 race director Niels Wittich has defended his predecessor Michael Masi’s handling of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Masi faced criticism for his management of a late safety car period that impacted the outcome of the world championship.
Despite the controversy, Wittich believes Masi acted within his authority and discretion, as the regulations were not strictly defined. The decision to allow a late-race restart ultimately led to Max Verstappen securing victory over Lewis Hamilton.
Wittich points out that Masi followed the agreed-upon goal of finishing races under green flag conditions, highlighting the challenge of balancing competing interests in such situations. The former race director also emphasizes the importance of consistency in decision-making across races.
While the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’s conclusion sparked debate among fans and stakeholders, Wittich underscores that unforeseen incidents and interventions can significantly influence the outcome of a race, creating dramatic and unexpected moments in the sport.
