FIA issue update into Abu Dhabi investigation after Masi rumours

F1's governing body, the FIA, have moved to issue an update on their investigation into the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, following recent speculation over the future of Race Director Michael Masi.

Earlier this week, the FIA's Secretary General for Motor Sport, Peter Bayer, seemed to hint that Masi's days are numbered as Race Director, with the focus of the investigation being on Masi's decision-making and handling of the Safety Car withdrawal with a lap remaining.

Such an admission from a senior FIA figure appears to have triggered the update from F1's governing body, which issued a short statement on Saturday confirming that the status of the investigation remains unchanged.

A clarifying statement from the FIA

The FIA explained that there have been no decisions made with regard to the outcome of their investigation, which would appear to be in direct response to Bayer's comments.

"At this stage, no decision has been taken on the outcome of the detailed analysis currently underway into the events of the last Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix," read the statement.

"As previously announced, the findings of this detailed analysis will be presented at the F1 Commission meeting in London on 14 February after an open discussion with all F1 drivers and then finally have to be approved at the World Motor Sport Council meeting on 18 March in Bahrain, under the authority of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem."