Michael Masi’s statement on leaving the FIA

The FIA ​​announced yesterday that former F1 race director Michael Masi has left the federation to return to Australia and take on a new challenge. Today, Speedcafe quotes Masi’s letter on the matter, his first public statement since last year’s race in Abu Dhabi…

Michael Masi: “It was my pleasure and honor to represent the FIA ​​in my role as Single Seater Racing Sports Director, Formula 1 Race Director and Safety Delegate following the sudden death of Charlie Whiting in Melbourne in 2019. After more After working in various FIA projects around the world for over ten years I decided to leave the federation and return to Australia to be closer to family and friends.

I am proud to have worked over the years with FIA member clubs, F1 group personnel, entrants, podium promoters and course managers, my colleagues and the FIA ​​team. I will always cherish these relationships and friendships that have developed during my journey.

In particular, I am eternally grateful to Herbie Blash and the late Charlie Whiting for identifying me in 2018 as their future successor. I was looking forward to this part, I studied with Charlie for years until he died.

I express my sincere thanks for the support of former FIA President Jean Todt, Stefano Domenicali and my dedicated team of FIA staff.

I would like to express my gratitude to the tens of thousands of dedicated volunteers and officials who make motorsport possible around the world every day, as the safety of participants and officials has always been my top priority.

Thanks to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and his presidential team for their personal support since their appointment, I wish them all the best for the future.

The personal support from family, friends and colleagues around the world during this part of my life, especially in the last few months, has been amazing. I will remember this forever.”