Masi denies Hamilton accusations

Like his predecessor Charlie Whiting, Michael Masi is not the type to fuel controversy. As FIA race director, the Australian prefers to seek consensus, which can be a challenge in a world as competitive as the Formula 1. 

Emotional and frustrated by the double penalty received for a simulated start carried out in the wrong place in Sochi, Lewis Hamilton made stinging accusations towards the body of commissioners. “ They try to slow down my progress », had released the pilot Mercedes at the microphone of Sky Sports F1 after his 3rd place at the Russian Grand Prix. 

Asked about the comments of the six-time world champion, Masi preferred to play the appeasement card. 

« From my point of view, the situation is very simple: if Lewis wants to talk to me about a particular subject, my door is always open, reacted the FIA ​​race director. I have already told him several times, as have all the rest of the pilots. 

The commissioners form an independent college responsible for ruling on the facts. In the case that interests us, there is an infringement and it does not matter whether it concerns Lewis Hamilton or one of the other 19 riders, the matter will be studied in the same way, that is to say fairly. and just ». 

Hamilton clarified his thoughts at the FIA ​​press conference, declaring that he did not feel targeted personally but just because he and Mercedes have dominated the sport for a long time. 

« We watch you a lot more when you play in front, said the Briton. Your car is scrutinized several times, the regulations are changed, etc. I guess it's to make the show more exciting ».

While he had received 2 penalty points on his license and was dangerously close to a Grand Prix exclusion, Hamilton finally recovered the 2 units in question. The commissioners have in fact revised their judgment and decided to impose a fine of 25 euros on the Mercedes team, found guilty of having misled its driver when he was carrying out his start simulation before the GP.