Former F1 race director Michael Masi lands new role

Michael Masi has taken on a fresh motorsport role in a new move for his career following his exit from F1.

Masi was the F1 race director from 2019 to 2021, stepping up to the role following the sudden death of Charlie Whiting.

However, the Australian left the FIA in the wake of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which saw Max Verstappen win the title amid a highly controversial last lap safety car restart.

The 47-year-old has been working in his home country ever since and has now landed a new position as the event director for the Repco NextGen NZ Championship.

Masi will lead officials through various New Zealand-based categories including the Formula Regional Oceania Championship - a series won in the past by drivers such as Lando Norris, Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad.

“New Zealand has an abundantly rich and proud heritage in the sport,” said Masi.

“I’m very much looking forward to working in partnership with, and supporting MotorSport New Zealand, Toyota New Zealand and the Repco NextGen NZ Championship to continue building upon and developing the continual improvement of the sport for all participants and stakeholders.” 

Masi's duties will also see him collaborate with MotorSport New Zealand.

Through this role, the NextGen Championship has detailed Masi will “observe the sport’s rules, regulations, and operational processes in action and provide expert recommendations to ensure they remain best-practice and fit-for-purpose.”

Masi's role within the Formula Regional Oceania Championship marks his first return to single-seater racing since his F1 departure.