FIA responds to speculation about Masi’s future as F1 race director

It is currently investigating the events of Abu Dhabi after Masi was criticised for his handling of the finale which saw Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to the title in dramatic circumstances.

The findings of the FIA’s inquiry are set to be presented at the F1 Commission next month after a discussion with the drivers.

It will then be approved by the World Motor Sport Council on March 18 in Bahrain.

The statement comes after some comments from the FIA's head of single-seaters Peter Bayer, who said that Masi could be replaced before the start of the season in March. 

The FIA has dismissed any suggestion that any decisions have been made already.

“At this stage, no decision has been taken on the outcome of the detailed analysis currently underway into the events of the last Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,” the statement read.

“As previously announced, the findings of this detailed analysis will be presented at the F1 Commission meeting in London on 14 February after an open discussion with all F1 drivers and then finally have to be approved at the World Motor Sport Council meeting on 18 March in Bahrain under the authority of FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.”

The new F1 season will get underway in Bahrain on March 18-20.