Former F1 Race Director Michael Masi Lands New Role in New Zealand Motorsport

Former Formula 1 Race Director Michael Masi has secured a new position as the Event Director for the Repco NextGen NZ Championship, marking his first official role in single-seater racing since his controversial exit from the FIA after the 2021 season finale. The Australian will oversee event operations and officiating for several New Zealand-based series, including the Formula Regional Oceania Championship, a proven feeder series for future F1 talent.

Why it matters:

Masi's appointment represents a significant step back into a prominent motorsport governance role after a period largely away from the international spotlight. His expertise in race control and event management, forged in the high-pressure crucible of F1, is now being directed toward developing and refining the operational standards of a crucial regional championship. This move also signals a potential path for other officials who leave top-tier series to continue contributing to the sport's grassroots and developmental levels.

The details:

• Masi's new role with the Repco NextGen NZ Championship will see him lead officials and collaborate directly with MotorSport New Zealand.
• A key part of his mandate is to observe current rules, regulations, and operational processes and provide expert recommendations to ensure they represent best practice.
• The Formula Regional Oceania Championship, which he will help oversee, has a strong pedigree, with past champions including current F1 stars like Lando Norris and reserve drivers like Liam Lawson.
• Masi served as F1 Race Director from 2019 to 2021, taking over after the sudden passing of Charlie Whiting. His tenure ended following the widely debated safety car restart procedure at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which directly influenced the Drivers' Championship outcome.

The big picture:

Masi's career trajectory highlights the often-overlooked pathway for officials and administrators within global motorsport. While the F1 race director role is one of the most visible and scrutinized positions, the skills required are transferable to series worldwide. His focus on "continual improvement" in New Zealand aligns with a broader movement across motorsport to standardize and professionalize race control and event direction at all levels, learning from both successes and controversies in the pinnacle category.

What's next:

Masi will immediately begin his duties for the New Zealand championship. His recommendations and influence on operational standards will be closely watched by the local motorsport community. This role could serve as a bridge for Masi, potentially leading to further opportunities in international motorsport governance or consultancy, applying the hard-earned lessons from his F1 tenure to benefit the wider sport.