(Motorsport-Total.com) – Former Formula 1 race director Michael Masi takes on a new leadership role in Australian motorsport: SRO Motorsports Australia has appointed the 47-year-old as sporting director. The handover to his new role begins for Masi at the upcoming GT World Challenge Australia race weekend in Sydney.
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In his role, Masi is to coordinate the sporting procedures of the events. This includes, among other things, leading the stewards, the race director, and other officials. At the same time, he is to ensure that the procedures comply with the international standards of the SRO Motorsports Group. However, Masi will only take full responsibility from his predecessor Abi Hay starting in the 2027 season.
What Michael Masi says about his new role
Masi himself sees great potential in his new task: “It is an extremely exciting opportunity. I am looking forward to it.”
“GT racing in Australia has been on the rise for some time, and I am convinced there are many opportunities to build further on the already strong foundations. I hope to implement some positive initiatives that will develop the sport further and bring benefits to participants, teams, and all our stakeholders.”
Ben McLellan, CEO of SRO Motorsports Australia, describes Masi’s appointment as a significant gain for the organization: “We are very pleased to welcome someone of Michael’s caliber. Michael brings enormous experience from several decades in motorsport and numerous leading positions. His expertise will help take GT racing in Australia to the next level.”
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Michael Masi: Race director at the controversial 2021 F1 finale
Masi became internationally known primarily through his role as Formula 1 race director. After the sudden death of Charlie Whiting, Masi took over the position in 2019 and held it for three seasons.
Masi was particularly in the spotlight during the controversial 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi. His decisions during a late safety car phase led to the race being restarted for one final lap. Max Verstappen then overtook Lewis Hamilton and won the world championship for the first time. (Photo series: The biggest Formula 1 scandals)
The biggest Formula 1 scandals
The events subsequently triggered intense discussions. In the course of the FIA’s review, the race director structure was changed for the 2022 season and Masi was replaced as Formula 1 race director. According to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, however, Masi was explicitly not a “scapegoat”.
Later, Masi returned to Australian motorsport in a leading role: Masi took over as chairman of the Supercars commission and held this position until 2025, after having already worked before his Formula 1 time, among other roles, as deputy race director of the Australian Supercars series.
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