Horner backs Masi after FIA decision: 'Too much pressure'

Just about everyone in the Formula One paddock has already shared their opinion on Michael Masi's departure, but Christian Horner had not done that yet. Until now!

Masi was criticised after the season finale because of the decisions he made about the safety car. In the end, Lewis Hamilton was not able to win his eighth title and Max Verstappen walked away with the world title. Mercedes then wanted to appeal, but were ultimately satisfied with an investigation.

The FIA decided to replace Masi as a result of the season finale, but according to the Red Bull Racing team boss, this was not justified. The race director was in a difficult position. Ultimately it is the FIA's decision, but it does not feel good. "I just think there was so much pressure put on the removal of Michael and that’s not right," he told the talkSPORT Breakfast-radio show.

Winning wasn't just about Masi's decisions

When asked if the season finale should be revisited, Horner has a clear answer: "It happened." According to him, the decisions of the race director were not all-decisive. Red Bull had a good strategy and that ended up giving Verstappen an advantage on the last lap. If you look at the tactics, the Woking-based team was dominant. They won the title because the seven-time world champion did not go into the pits at the end of the race.