Internet responds: "Masi only reason Hamilton and Mercedes had a chance"

Ferrari launched the new F1-75 for 2022 on Thursday, but that news was largely overshadowed by the FIA's simultaneous announcement regarding the departure of Michael Masi as race director. How did the internet react to the news?

Mercedes fans elated with Masi departure

As can be expected, reactions are divided. Fans of Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton are elated with the news, which they believe confirms that the events at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix did not go according to the regulations.

Others find it a sign of weakness from the FIA, whose stewards in Abu Dhabi just backed Masi. British journalist Joe Saward, for example, believes that dismissing Masi would be a "clear sign that the FIA is giving in to outside pressure".

Internet reactions to Masi's departure as race director

Masi is the only reason Hamilton and Mercedes even had a chance at the championship. I wonder what they'll do without him? @redbullracing number 1 and @ScuderiaFerrari number 2 this season, is now possible.

— We Missed The Exit (@wemissedtheexit) February 17, 2022

*Ferrari want to celebrate 1000th GP*
Seb announces he's going to Aston Martin
*Ferrari want to launch their 2022 livery*
FIA announces Masi is out

Ferrari: pic.twitter.com/capv0qllzO

— F1 Updates (@paddock2go) February 17, 2022

Enjoy your 4 minutes of fame, Scuderia. pic.twitter.com/2Orq6oGfmC

— The Race (@wearetherace) February 17, 2022

The fact so many fans on Twitter have to mention Max as soon as Masi is dropped shows they didn’t want him gone for the good of the sport but instead as an excuse to justify Lewis Hamilton being beaten to the title by Max Verstappen.
Not to mention the new RD..

— Willseh (@Willseh14) February 17, 2022

@F1 just heard the new about the replacing of Michael Masi. Absolutely shocking that he makes 1 call that people are not happy with and gets "sacked". Will be sorry to see him leave

— Ben Thwaites (@Benthwaites87) February 17, 2022

Toto Wolff reacting to Michael Masi's firing:

Yes Michael, yes, yes, Michael that is so right

— Matt Gallagher (@MattyWTF1) February 17, 2022

Michael Masi putting drivers and stewards at risk several times: he STAYS

Michael Masi doing the most to not finish a race under safety car, angering Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton: he is OUT

— Bruno Alves (@brunoalves89) February 17, 2022

I'm sure Masi wasn't the guy pulling the strings, only the instrument through whom the fix took place, so I'll sincerely wish him well.
We'll never be told who was really behind it.

Masi had to go, and his departure is all the proof we need that this championship was invalid.

— Mark the Mariner (@markp5895m) February 17, 2022

So Masi is gone? What exactly does that change?

— David Ritchie (@Davidgoesfaster) February 17, 2022

I understand “why” Michael Masi was removed but no one has answered the question of whether he was allowed to do what he did. I.e. interpret the rules.

Difference between the norms of the past and ability to act.#F1

— JB Chaykowsky (@jbchaykowsky) February 17, 2022

i feel sorry for Masi after getting so much hate and disrespect. he had a very hard job that he tried to fulfil so that mainly the two teams Red Bull and Merc would have equal right according to what has happened

— vanessa (@moonlightvani) February 17, 2022

You should have backed Masi, this is a disgrace

— Michel (@michelvds83x) February 17, 2022

Masi made more calls in favour of Lewis than anyone else so shut it

— Chiçhi (@whiteobah) February 17, 2022