Former Australian Formula One racing director Michael Massey revealed he received death threats over his misbehavior at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final round of the 2021 season that ended with Dutch Red Bull driver Max Verstappen winning the race and the world . title and the deprivation of British Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of his eighth crown.
Massey was suspended in February last year following criticism of him after he decided during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to restart on his last lap while the cars were behind the safety car, giving Verstappen the victory after overtaking Hamilton.
Hamilton, who, unlike Verstappen, did not change tires while the safety car was on the track, denounced Massey’s decision, saying the race result was “rigged”.
The 44-year-old Mercedes team accused Massey of not fully complying with the law, but decided not to appeal the decision, calling for “action to be taken before the start of the season.”
In an interview with the Australian Daily Telegraph, Massey said he feared for his life, adding: “There were some dark days. Of course, I felt like the most hated person in the world. I received death threats, people said they would attack me and my family.”
“I still remember walking the streets of London a day or two after (what happened) thinking I was fine until I started looking back. I looked at the people and wondered if they would attack me.”
The IF made a “detailed and explanatory analysis” of the disputed events and decided to change the way races are run in the championship by banning contact between the race director and team managers during races and by establishing virtual race controls. a room similar to a video assistant referee (VAR) in football.
And he decided to prevent the publication of a live wireless link during the race, which is broadcast live on all televisions, in order to protect the race director from any pressure and allow him to safely make his decisions.
Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas are now rotating race directors, with Herbie Plush as permanent senior advisor.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Massey was unable to speak about the decision he made in Abu Dhabi due to a secrecy deal with the FIA, but said the months following the crash were hell.
The Aussie said he tried to ignore the messages but it affected his mental health, adding: “I didn’t go to talk to[психотерапевтом]… Maybe I should.”
“It took me a while to think things through,” he said of the aftermath of the Abu Dhabi race. But at the end of the day, I thought it would be better for me to go home and be close to my (family) support network.”
