Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has criticised the FIA’s decision to replace Formula 1 race director Michael Masi following the end of last season.
FIA president Mohamed Ben Sulayem announced last week that Masi will not continue in the role following the controversial conclusion to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This was among a series of changes to officiating in Formula 1 including the introduction of a virtual race control room.
Masi was accused of contravening the rules by arranging a late restart in Abu Dhabi by only allowing a portion of the lapped cars to pass the Safety Car. That created an opportunity for Max Verstappen to overtake Lewis Hamilton and clinch the championship, which he ultimately did.
However, Horner rejected claims Masi had failed to follow the rules correctly and was unimpressed by the decision to replace him.
“I think that it’s a difficult one, it’s the FIA’s business,” he told TalkSport in an interview. “I think it’s harsh.
“He was in a…