Michael Masi officially leaves the FIA

Michael Masi has left the FIA for good. The former race director was temporarily relocated after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but it is now clear that the Australian will no longer work for the FIA.

The FIA released a statement on Tuesday saying Masi has chosen to move back to his home country of Australia to be closer to his family and take on new challenges. In total, Masi has worked as a race director for three years after Charlie Whiting suddenly passed away in 2019.

"He has carried out the numerous functions he was tasked with in a professional and dedicated manner. The FIA thanks him for his commitment and wishes him the best for the future," the FIA wrote on its own website.

Masi came under scrutiny at the end of 2021 due to high profile and controversial decisions in the season finale in Abu Dhabi. This allowed Max Verstappen to win the world championship by overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the very last lap. After that race, Masi was reassigned to another position within the FIA.