Abu Dhabi GP report says Michael Masi made mistake, however acted in ‘good religion’

Racing’s governing physique the FIA has stated “human error” contributed to the controversial end eventually yr’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix however insisted former race director Michael Masi acted in good religion all through.

Masi incorrectly utilized the Security Automotive process on the finish of the title decider between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

He arrange a one lap dash which helped Verstappen catch and cross Hamilton on the ultimate lap, successful the title within the course of.

Nonetheless, Masi had not adopted the FIA rulebook and had solely allowed the unlapped automobiles between Hamilton and Verstappen to overhaul the Security Automotive and rejoin the lead lap.

He additionally restarted the race a lap sooner than the foundations dictate, though the FIA’s report — launched forward of qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday — stated that rule was open to interpretation.

The report additionally stated the result’s “legitimate, remaining and can’t now be modified”, with Mercedes opting to not attraction the end result to the FIA Worldwide Court docket of Attraction.

Masi has since been removed from his place of race director, whereas the FIA has clarified its rules on Security Automotive restarts to say “all” unlapped automobiles should unlap themselves earlier than a race can resume, moderately than “any”, to keep away from any related incidents in future.

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