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The boss of Mercedes in Formula 1, Toto Wolff, labeled Michael Masi as a “pathological egomaniac” in relation to the controversial actions that cost Lewis Hamilton the championship in 2021. Hamilton was on the verge of winning the last race in Abu Dhabi, which would have secured him the Drivers’ Championship over Max Verstappen of Red Bull. However, Masi violated the restart regulations by allowing the lapped cars between the two contenders to unlap themselves during a Safety Car period on the penultimate lap. Instead of following the rules and waiting for an additional lap to restart the race, Masi initiated a showdown on the final lap that allowed Verstappen, on fresh tires, to overtake Hamilton at Turn 5. Mercedes appealed the decision, but the stewards rejected the complaint, resulting in Verstappen being crowned champion. In the book ‘The Formula’ by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg, Wolff criticized Masi for his decision, which ultimately led to Masi being removed from his position. Wolff stated: “When I reflect on it now, it’s so unfair what happened to Lewis and the team that day. And that individual failed to follow the rules and allowed that to happen.” He further commented: “He is a completely insignificant person: he resides on the opposite side of the globe and nobody cares about him. He really was an absolute pathological egomaniac.” Hamilton recently told GQ magazine that he was “robbed” of the championship, but accepted the result. Although Wolff remains relentless regarding Masi’s actions at the Yas Marina Circuit, he acknowledges that the dramatic conclusion will forever be etched in Formula 1 history. The 52-year-old Wolff stated: “It’s the essence of drama and glory. That’s what makes the sport so captivating. Everyone witnessed the drama of an eight-time world champion being deprived of his title. I would have preferred a different outcome, but there is no denying that the race left an indelible mark on history.”
