Michael Masi reveals he received death threats after presiding over controversial F1 2021 finale in Abu Dhabi

Michael Masi has revealed that he received death threats following the controversial Abu Dhabi GP in December 2021 that left him feeling like “the most hated man in the world”.

On the final lap of the final race of last season, Lewis Hamilton looked to be in the box seat to take home the title, which would have been a record-breaking eighth in F1.

Speaking about the aftermath of that high-pressure moment to News Corp, Masi said: “There were some dark days.

“I felt like I was the most hated man in the world.

“I got death threats. People saying they were going to come after me and my family.

“They were shocking. Racist, abusive, vile, they called me every name under the sun.

“And they kept on coming. Not just on my Facebook but also on my LinkedIn, which is supposed to be a professional platform for business. It was the same type of abuse.”

“I didn’t want to talk to anyone,” the 44-year-old Australian said.

“Not even family and friends. I only talked to my close family – but very briefly.

“It did have a physical impact, but it was more mental. I just wanted to be in a bubble. I had no desire to talk to them.

“I just wanted to be alone, which was very challenging.

“The whole experience has made me a much stronger person.”