Former F1 race director Michael Masi lands key role in New Zealand championship
Michael Masi, the former F1 race director, has been named Event Director for New Zealand's Repco NextGen NZ Championship starting in 2026. He will oversee event delivery, review regulations, and help train officials, bringing top-tier experience to the national series following his controversial exit from the FIA.
Former Formula 1 race director Michael Masi has been appointed Event Director for the Repco NextGen NZ Championship, taking on a central role in the oversight and development of New Zealand's premier motorsport series starting in 2026.
Why it matters:
Masi's move to a national championship represents a significant step in his post-FIA career and brings high-level international experience to New Zealand's motorsport governance. His appointment signals a strategic push by MotorSport New Zealand to modernize its operations and elevate the professional standards of its national series, which serve as a crucial development pathway for drivers aiming for international careers.
The details:
- Masi's primary responsibility will be ensuring the "safe, fair, and professional delivery" of each championship round.
- Beyond event operations, he will work with MotorSport New Zealand to review and recommend improvements to the sport's rules, regulations, and operational processes.
- He will also contribute to a new training and development framework for officials, aiming to build long-term capability within the organization.
- The appointment follows his recent departure as chairman of the Supercars Commission in Australia, a role he held since 2022. He will remain on the boards of Karting Australia and Southern Australian Motorsport.
- The NZ Championship features a mix of single-seater, touring car, and sportscar categories, with Formula Regional Oceania—the successor to the famed Toyota Racing Series—as its flagship.
The big picture:
Masi's F1 tenure ended controversially after the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where his decisions during a late safety car period became a global flashpoint. His subsequent move to New Zealand represents a fresh chapter focused on event delivery and systemic improvement rather than the high-pressure, real-time race control of F1. For New Zealand motorsport, gaining someone with his unique experience at the pinnacle of the sport is a coup, potentially enhancing the championship's reputation and operational rigor as it seeks to nurture future talent.
What's next:
Masi will begin his role ahead of the 2026 season. His impact will be measured by the smooth execution of events and the tangible improvements in official training and regulatory frameworks. If successful, this partnership could serve as a model for how national championships can leverage global expertise to raise their competitive and professional standing.