Mercedes Formula 1 chief Toto Wolff has labeled Michael Masi a “pathological egomaniac” in relation to the controversial actions that cost Lewis Hamilton the championship in 2021. Hamilton was poised to win the final race in Abu Dhabi, which would have secured him the Drivers’ Championship over Max Verstappen of Red Bull. However, Masi violated the restart regulations by allowing the lapped cars between the two contenders to unlap themselves during a Safety Car period on the penultimate lap. Instead of adhering to the rulebook and waiting for an additional lap to restart the race, Masi initiated a last-lap showdown that enabled Verstappen, on fresh tires, to overtake Hamilton at Turn 5. Mercedes appealed the decision, but the Stewards dismissed the complaint, resulting in Verstappen being crowned champion. In Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg’s book ‘The Formula,’ Wolff criticized Masi for his decision, which ultimately led to Masi’s removal from his position. Wolff stated, “When I reflect on it now, it is so unjust what happened to Lewis and the team on that day. And that one individual failed to adhere to the rules and allowed it to occur.” He further remarked, “He is a completely insignificant person: he resides on the opposite side of the globe, and no one is interested in him. He truly was an absolute pathological egomaniac.” Hamilton recently told GQ Magazine that he was “robbed” of the championship but has come to terms with the outcome. Although Wolff remains unforgiving towards Masi for his actions at the Yas Marina Circuit, he acknowledges that the dramatic conclusion will forever be etched in Formula 1 history. Wolff, aged 52, stated, “It is the essence of drama and glory. This is what makes the sport so compelling. Everyone witnessed the drama of an eight-time World Champion being deprived of his title. I would have preferred a different outcome, but there is no denying that the race left an indelible mark on history.”
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