LEWIS HAMILTON is responsible for the sacking of F1 race director Michael Masi, claims Red Bull chief Helmut Marko.
It was Masi who made the race-changing decision at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to steal the world championship away from Hamilton.
Masi came under pressure for defying his own safety rules and last month was dismissed from his role as race director.
And Marko feels Hamilton is to blame after failing to speak out in Masi’s defence.
The Red Bull advisor told RT: “By his silence, he only wanted to show his dissatisfaction with the situation and the decisions.
“Part of that behaviour subsequently also led to Masi being removed from his role.
“I don’t think it’s right. You have to look at his performances over the years.
“If Masi had everything they are going to enter now at his disposal, it would have been easier for him to decide, a video referee and an advisor by his side.
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“Michael is now being sacrificed for that.”
After losing out to Max Verstappen Hamilton remained silent for several weeks.
His lack of public presence fuelled speculation the Brit could quit F1 altogether before it was finally revealed last month that he would be taking part in the 2022 season.
Hamilton also broke his silence by wishing his social media followers a Happy Chinese New Year.
And he later admitted that he did consider retirement after being robbed of a record eighth world title.
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