F1 Today | Wolff slams Masi as "a lunatic," Red Bull Racing sets launch date for 2026 F1 car

Toto Wolff has once again revisited the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, calling former FIA Race Director Michael Masi “a lunatic” whose actions “destroyed the record of the greatest champion of all time.”

As Lewis Hamilton led comfortably toward what should have been his eighth world title, a late crash by Nicholas Latifi brought out the safety car. Despite regulations requiring all lapped cars to unlap before racing resumed, Masi allowed only select cars through, setting up a one-lap shootout that handed Max Verstappen the championship.

Wolff told The Telegraph the experience felt like “a loss of control,” adding that the decision still weighs heavily on him and his wife, Susie Wolff, who described her “disbelief” that one man’s interpretation of the rules could alter Formula 1 history.

Although the FIA later admitted a “human error” had been made, it maintained Masi acted in good faith. Since that night, Mercedes has struggled to regain its dominance under the new regulations, with Wolff conceding that “somebody else collecting the trophies” continues to sting deeply.

Red Bull Racing has confirmed that its 2026 challenger, the RB22, will be unveiled on January 15, 2026, in Detroit, USA, the hometown of new engine partner Ford.

The launch will also include Racing Bulls’ 2026 car in a joint team presentation, GPblog understands. However, it remains unclear whether the actual RB22 will be shown or if fans will see only the livery, as Red Bull has a history of delaying its true car reveal until closer to pre-season testing.

The early unveiling aligns with an accelerated 2026 F1 testing schedule under the incoming new technical regulations. Teams will begin private testing in Barcelona (January 26–30) before official sessions in Bahrain, first from February 11–13 and again from February 18–20.

The early start marks a major shift as teams prepare to integrate Ford’s power unit technology and adapt to F1’s next-generation hybrid era — making the Detroit launch one of the most anticipated events of the season.

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