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F1 legend Fernando Alonso BACKS Michael Masi’s controversial Abu Dhabi decision and sympathises with axed race director

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SACKED F1 race director Michael Masi has been backed over his handling of the Abu Dhabi GP fiasco by Fernando Alonso.

The Australian was investigated by the sport’s governing body [FIA] after he failed to follow strict safety car rules in the season finale and then fired.

Michael Masi lost his job as F1’s race directorCredit: Getty
Fernando Alonso, right, pictured alongside team-mate Esteban Ocon, has shown some support for sacked MasiCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Masi was accused of being manipulated by Red Bull to set-up a final lap showdown between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

The upshot was that Verstappen on fresh tyres was able to pass Hamilton half a lap from the end of the race and win the race and the title.

But Alonso, 40, who was team-mates with Hamilton during their time together at McLaren, told The Race: “On the whole theme of Abu Dhabi, maybe I have a different opinion, I don’t think that there was anything wrong there.

“I don’t think that they changed it [the race control structure] because of Abu Dhabi, or I hope not.”

Hamilton, his Mercedes team and F1 fans were furious that the outcome of the thrilling championship had been fudged, with the Brit claiming it was “manipulated”.

Masi will be replaced by Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich with the latter expected to act as a deputy with veteran Herbie Blash, who worked with former race director Charlie Whiting, returning as a senior advisor.

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A statement from new FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed the structural changes, which will see Masi offered a new, as yet unknown role, within the organisation.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner says Masi has been treated ‘harshly’.

He told talkSPORT: “It’s a difficult one, and it’s the FIA’s business.

“I think it is harsh, I think he was in a very difficult position last year.

“We felt a lot of the decisions went against us last year.

“When you look at what he has at his disposal in terms of resource, compared to what the teams have, it’s such a massive difference.

“It’s good to hear they are bringing in things like the VAR equivalent and one of the most experienced guys in Herbie Blash.

“I just think there was so much pressure put on the removal of Michael and that’s not right. That’s my personal feeling.”

Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk

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