FIA chief risks upsetting Lewis Hamilton as he leaves door open for disgraced race director who’s been through ‘hell’
FIA chief Mohammed ben Sulayam has opened the door for disgraced race director Michael Masi to return to the sport.
His comments could upset Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, who were left furious by Masi's "human error" at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Australian's mistake during the closing stages of the season-ending race cost Hamilton an historic seventh world title.
Instead, Max Verstappen was able to capitalise on a safety car period to overtake his rival and clinch his maiden championship.
Two years on, FIA president Ben Sulayem has insisted he would not hesitate to bring Masi back.
He told the Press Association: "I always apologise, but I cannot apologise for something which was done before my time.
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"Okay, I will do the apology, but I will bring Michael Masi again. Do you think that is right?
"The poor guy is a person who has been attacked and abused. Michael Masi went through hell. Hell! And if I see there is an opportunity that the FIA needs, and Michael Masi is the right person, I will bring him."
The incident in 2021 occurred a week before Ben Sulayam became FIA president, with Masi later replaced as race director and left the FIA last year.
His decision to allow the cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to unlap themselves with just two laps remaining proved costly for the Brit.
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Verstappen was able to overtake Hamilton on the final lap to win the race and the Drivers' Championship.
As a result, Hamilton missed out on a record-breaking eighth world title.
He was also denied a fifth consecutive championship, which would have seen him equal Michael Schumacher's record.