MASI CONFIRMED AS F1 RACE DIRECTOR FOR REMAINDER OF 2019

Michael Masi confirmed as FIA’s race director for remainder of 2019 Formula 1 season – Photo: LAT

Former Supercars deputy race director Michael Masi will be F1’s top official for the rest of the season.

By DAN KNUTSON

Australian Masi’s appointment as permanent F1 race director was confirmed by the FIA after the British Grand Prix.

Melbourne-based Masi has been in the position on a race-by-race basis since the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, following the sudden death of Charlie Whiting.

Whiting, the long-time FIA race director, safety delegate and permanent race starter, died from a pulmonary embolism in Melbourne on March 14. He was 66.

Masi, who had been appointed as Whiting’s understudy, stepped into the breach at Albert Park.

He has continued to hold the post of FIA race director at all 10 F1 weekends so far this year, impressing all with his calm, deliberative approach..

It was during last weekend’s British Grand Prix that FIA president Jean Todt told Masi that he would continue in the position for the remainder of the season.

Todt told AUTO ACTION back in March that several people would assume Whiting’s duties, including that of the permanent starter.

Masi was initially due to alternate the position, but has asserted himself so well that he has been confirmed as permanent F1 race director for the rest of the season.

An FIA spokesperson revealed the Masi confirmation after the thrilling British GP at Silverstone, won for a record sixth time by Lewis Hamilton.

The FIA has made no decisions about the F1 race director post for 2020, but Masi would have to be hot favourite to retain the position.

He is a sharp administrator, having schooled under former Supercars teams body boss Kelvin O’Reilly.

Masi was Supercars’ deputy race director under Tim Schenken last year, as well as race director of the Super2 series.

After a series of FIA engagements, he was elevated this year to deputy F1 race director, as well as F2 and F3 race director.

Whiting’s sudden death thrust Masi reluctantly into the spotlight.

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