Michael Masi has revealed that he was subjected to death threats after the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, leaving him feeling like "the most hated man in the world". Former F1 Race Director Masi was replaced in his role in February following months of in-depth internal investigations over the controversial events of the race. It was announced at the time that Masi would be offered a new position within the FIA amid changes at the top level of the sport's race governance. However, earlier this month, it was confirmed that Masi had left the governing body. After issuing an initial statement over his departure, he has now expanded on how the fallout affected him personally, with death threats being sent his way.
Masi reveals "shocking" messages on social media
Speaking in an interview with Australia's Daily Telegraph newspaper, Masi opened up on the "dark days" he experienced. "I felt like I was the most hated man in the world," he stated. "I got death threats. People saying they were going to come after me and my family." As for the messages he received across social media, Masi said: "They were shocking. Racist, abusive, vile, they called me every name under the sun. "And they kept on coming. Not just on my Facebook but also on my LinkedIn, which is supposed to be a professional platform for business. It was the same type of abuse."
Masi "didn't want to talk to anyone" after Abu Dhabi
Masi added that after initially "wanting to be in a bubble" as he came under fire, what he went through has made him more resilient. "I didn't want to talk to anyone," he commented. "Not even family and friends. I only talked to my close family – but very briefly. "I just wanted to be in a bubble. I had no desire to talk to them. I just wanted to be alone, which was very challenging." Summing up the experience, Masi said: "[It] has made me a much stronger person."
Most read
