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Who is Michael Masi?
Michael Masi is a well-recognized former Australian Motorsports Official who served as the director of the primary components race from 2019 to 2021. Accordingly, he was overseeing the Formula One race weekend planning, courses, and ensuring that all automobiles and drivers adhere to FIA rules before and during the event.
Following last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Michael Masi was removed as F1 race director as part of a restructure within the FIA’s regulatory body. Moreover, Masi has been probed as a result of the investigation into the disputed final of the World Championship last year. Prior his termination, he was the F1 Race Director as well as the Safety Delegate, also single-seater head of sports.
Profile of Michael Masi
| Full Name | Michael Masi |
| Popular As | Michael Masi |
| Birthdate | 1978 |
| Place of Birth | Sydney, Australia |
| Gender | Male |
| Profession | Australian Motorsports Official & Businessman |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Race / Ethnicity | Italian |
| Religion | Christian |
| Education | Graduate |
| University | Undisclosed |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Age | 44 Years Old |
| Sun-sign | Undisclosed |
| Eye color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Height | 5’8” (172 cm) |
| Marital status | Undisclosed |
| Parents | Undisclosed |
| Siblings | Undisclosed |
| Spouse | Undisclosed |
| Children | Undisclosed |
| Net Worth | $5 Million |
Michael Masi is a former motorsports director from Australia. He has been the FIA Formula One Race Director, Safety Delegate, Permanent Starter, and head of the F1 Technical Department. Reportedly, he was serving in the position since March 2019 until 2021, in which capacity he supervised the logistics of each F1 Grand Prix, inspects cars in parc fermé prior to races, enforces FIA rules, and controls the lights that signal the start of each race.
Early-life, Education & Family Background
Michael Masi was born in Sydney, Australia, in 1978. As of 2022, he is 44 years old. Accordingly, he is also of Italian origin and grew up in the Fairfield and Canada Bay suburbs. Since early age, Masi aspired to be a well-known athlete while his parents always supported him in his endeavors.
However, the details about his parents as well as his family background are undisclosed to the public. In regards to his academics, Michael completed his education and received his TAFE diploma. Prior to his roles in motorsport, he majored in Marketing at TAFE.
Michael Masi’s Professional Career
Michael Masi commenced his racing career as a volunteer for Super Touring organizations while still in high school. Besides, he also worked as a deputy race director in the Supercars touring car racing series as well as at Rally Australia.
After years of service, Micheal was formally appointed by the FIA as Formula Two and Formula Three associate race director, as well as Charlie Whiting’s deputy in Formula One, in 2018. Subsequently, he took over as Formula One race director following Whiting unexpected passing just before the 2019 Australian Grand Prix.
While in the position, Michael monitored the logistics of a grand prix weekend, ensuring that all vehicles, courses, and drivers adhere to FIA guidelines before, during, and after the race. Additionally, Masi divided the role between Grands Prix and the German Touring Car Championship with Scott Elkins, the Formula E race director.
Besides his motorsport career, Masi has served as the managing director of Michael Masi Enterprise Pty. Ltd. For more than two decades. Apparently, his company is situated at Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Controversies & Termination
Micheal’s initiatives as race director had been disputed by drivers, organizations, as well as the media. Eventually, Micheal was had to defend the pink flag procedures employed during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2021, and he was criticized for his decisions during the Belgian Grand Prix in 2021.
In addition, Masi was embroiled in a safety car protocol issue during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Apparently, Masi inexplicably allowed only the five cars directly in front of title challenger Max Verstappen to unlap themselves before the restart on lap 57 of the race, in which Lewis Hamilton was leading. Consequently, Verstappen was able to pass Hamilton and win the 2021 World Drivers’ Championship after pitting into soft tires.
Nonetheless, on February 17, 2021, Micheal’s position as Race Director was terminated. Further, his resignation as director after three years was confirmed by the FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem who further revealed changes to the Grand Prix’s officiating for the coming season. Reportedly, his inaccurate administration of the foundations during a late security car interval influenced the race’s outcome.
Following Masi’s termination, Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas succeeded him as Race Directors, with Herbie Blash serving as their Permanent Senior Advisor.
Michael’s Personal-life & Relationships
Michael Masi is a well-known figure in his business; however he maintains a low profile when it comes to his personal life. As a consequence, very little knowledge is available to the general public. Moreover, he is also not on any social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter.
As per media sources, Michael is most likely single and unmarried at present.
Physique
Michael Masi has an athletic build measuring at 5 feet 8 inches tall (172 cm). In addition, he has black hair and black eyes while his weight is approx. 69 kg (152 lbs.).
Net Worth of Michael Masi
Michael Masi’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $5 million as of 2022. As per reports, he was paid $51,070 per year as a director. However, many people couldn’t comprehend a director’s salary of $51,000 for one of the most important motorsports organizations. Arguably, Masi has profited more than that, earning an estimated $1-5 million per year depending on the events he coordinated.
