Formula 1’s governing body has confirmed that it was aware of the new radio message, which appears to conclusively prove that Michale Masi had rigged the Abu Dhabi race in favour of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.
The FIA, according to the BBC, said, “We are aware of this and it is part of the investigation.”
In the new viral radio message, Red Bull Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley can be heard suggesting Masi on ways to deal with lapped cars just before the latter planned to restart the race.
Wheatley can be heard saying, “Those lapped cars; you don’t need to let them go right the way around and catch up with the back of the pack. You only need to let them go, and then we’ve got a motor race on our hands.”
Masi replies, “Understood.”
Moments later Masi indeed did exactly how Wheatly had asked him to perform. According to earlier radio messages, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was heard informing Masi that the latter’s decision was ‘not right.’
Masi had replied disdainfully, “Toto, it’s called a motor race, OK?”
This is shocking. New emerging footage of @F1 Abu Dhabi GP containing previously unheard radio. Masi essentially executed the instructions of Jonathan Wheatley (Red Bull) without any second thought over its legality or fairness. This should be sickening listening to any fan. pic.twitter.com/XkOWmjGhH0
— Jordan ¹⁰³ (@F1_Jordan) February 8, 2022
In Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Sir Lewis Hamilton had led the race for 57 out of 58 laps until the race director, Michael Masi, controversially decided to ignore the FIA rules and allowed Max Verstappen to win his first World Championship title. Many believe that the race was fixed to stop Hamilton from being the all-time great. Had Sir Lewis won the Abu Dhabi race, he would have become the only race driver to win a record eight world championship titles.
Masi’s decision had helped Verstappen, who was on a fresh tyre as opposed to Sir Lewis, who was driving his Mercedes car on old tyres. As expected, Verstappen won the race, dashing Sir Lewis Hamilton’s hopes of being the all-time great.
According to people close to Sir Lewis, he has lost faith in the FIA and was reluctant to commit to his racing future until Formula 1 governing body made the findings of its inquiry public. Both Sir Lewis and Toto have reportedly made their it clear that Masi must be sacked from his role.