Former FIA steward alleges Michael Masi handed Max....read more

A former FIA steward has reopened the debate surrounding the dramatic 2021 Formula 1 title decider, claiming that then-race director Michael Masi effectively handed Max Verstappen the world championship.

Verstappen and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton were embroiled in an intense battle throughout the 2021 season, arriving at the Abu Dhabi finale tied on points. Hamilton looked set to secure a record-breaking eighth title after leading most of the race.

The outcome changed dramatically following a late safety car, with Red Bull opting to pit Verstappen for fresh tyres. The gamble paid off when racing resumed for a single lap, allowing Verstappen to overtake Hamilton and clinch his first F1 crown.

Controversy followed after Masi allowed only some lapped cars to unlap themselves under the safety car, rather than the entire group as stipulated in the regulations. This decision placed Verstappen directly behind Hamilton on much fresher tyres, creating the conditions for the decisive final-lap move.

Danny Sullivan, who served as an FIA steward at two race weekends during the 2021 season but not at the Abu Dhabi finale, has now criticised the call. Speaking on the Epartrade YouTube channel, Sullivan said the stewards had no involvement in the decision.

“People were pushing for the race not to finish under yellow because it didn’t look good,” Sullivan explained. “That’s why five cars were waved through, which effectively gave Max his opportunity. Under the rules, all lapped cars should be allowed to pass, but doing so would have meant the race ending under the safety car.”

He added that the tyre situation made the outcome inevitable.

“By letting only those cars through, Max was placed right behind Lewis. Max had fresh tyres; Lewis didn’t. Lewis’ tyres had done 44 laps. There was no realistic chance he could defend. That decision effectively handed Verstappen the world championship.”