4-time world champion Sebastian Vettel believes that under-fire Australian official Michael Masi ought to stay in his position as FIA race director.
Masi’s place is below intense scrutiny after he was accused of bending the principles to permit Max Verstappen the possibility to beat Lewis Hamilton to the title following a late security automobile interval in final season’s dramatic finale.
Masi’s supporters have been few and much between for the reason that race in Abu Dhabi on December 12.
However Vettel, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Affiliation, has thrown his weight behind the under-pressure Masi.
“For Michael, it has been a pity,” mentioned the 34-year-old Vettel.
“There are two pursuits clashing – one is the game and the opposite is the present. I do not care a lot concerning the present as a result of I have a look at it as a sport and from a aggressive viewpoint.
“Clearly, it isn’t the simplest to be within the footwear of the referee, or Michael’s footwear, however he has accomplished an incredible job, significantly after filling in for [former race director] Charlie Whiting, who died so instantly.
“Michael has been very targeted and decided to do an excellent job. I do not know what’s in retailer for his future however I hope he sticks round as a result of general he has accomplished an excellent job.
“There was loads of controversy surrounding the final race however that should not be, as a result of in the event you have a look at the larger image he has accomplished very well.
“The principle factor transferring ahead is that there’s readability in these conditions so no additional questions are requested.”
Within the remaining levels of the Abu Dhabi race, Masi ordered solely the lapped automobiles between Hamilton and second-placed Verstappen by, offering the Dutchman, on recent tyres, a shot at passing Hamilton, who was on outdated rubber.
Verstappen then took the victory with Hamilton claiming the consequence was “manipulated”.
Hamilton, 37, is now awaiting the end result of the FIA’s investigation forward of the brand new season which begins in Bahrain on March 20.
Vettel was talking at Aston Martin’s automobile launch – its first of F1’s new technical period.
The well-known British group returned to the grid final yr however completed solely seventh of the ten constructors, with Vettel twelfth within the drivers’ standings.
Staff principal Otmar Szafnauer has since left and been changed by former BMW chief Mike Krack.
“At this stage everyone seems to be hoping to be on the high and we hope we’re in a a lot better form than final yr,” added Vettel.
“Final yr, we knew from the beginning it was going to be an extended and troublesome season so we hope for a greater one.”