Specifically, the Australian will serve as Event Director for the Repco NextGen NZ Championship, with the first event set for Hampton Downs International from January 8–10, marking his official return since the Yas Marina showdown.

“New Zealand has an abundantly rich and proud heritage in the sport,” Masi commented on the news.

After leaving Formula 1 at the start of 2022, Masi has carved out a new role in motorsport away from the main spotlight, serving as Director and Deputy Chair of Karting Australia, a board member of the South Australian Motor Sport Board, and Independent Chair of the Supercars Commission.

Four years on from the infamous Abu Dhabi finale, Mercedes team principal still hasn’t come to terms with one of the most controversial conclusions in Formula 1 history, which ultimately stopped Hamilton from becoming the outright most successful driver ever.

The Austrian has repeatedly spoken about Masi since that day, recently labeling him in an interview a few weeks ago as “a lunatic who can basically destroy the record of the greatest champion of all time.”