Sky Sports F1 pit lane reporter Ted Kravitz has publicly defended Michael Masi regarding the Lewis Hamilton AD21 controversy, emphasizing the race director’s impartiality during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Kravitz argued that despite criticism, there was no indication Masi favored any driver in the contentious moments deciding the world title.
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains one of Formula 1’s most debated races, with the championship outcome between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen decided in the final laps under controversial circumstances. Michael Masi, serving as the FIA Race Director, was later removed from his position after the governing body concluded he made a human error in how the safety car procedures were applied near the race’s conclusion.
Although Kravitz has previously criticized Masi’s management of the event, he recently clarified on the Ainslie + Ainslie Performance People podcast that evidence did not show Masi acted with intent to manipulate the race in favor of or against Hamilton.
Ted Kravitz Comments on Michael Masi’s Role During the Controversial Finish
Addressing the circumstances leading to the race’s controversial end, Kravitz highlighted the intense pressures Masi faced from teams and the situation’s complexity. Masi had to manage conflicting interests amid the final safety car period, and Kravitz suggested these factors influenced his decision-making rather than any personal bias.
“There is no evidence that Michael Masi had a preference either way of who was world champion. He was just, with a load of pressuring from the teams, and a load of intentions that he was aware of, that we don’t really want races to finish under safety cars, we’d rather there was not a red flag, which would lead to one more chaotic lap like Baku earlier in the season, ‘let them race’,” said Kravitz.
“There’s all these sort of three things that he was doing and was encumbered by, I think, under pressure, that led him to make the decisions that he did on the day,” he added.
According to FIA’s Article 48.12, a race may only restart after a safety car once all lapped cars have passed the leaders to unlap themselves. This regulation was not correctly followed, as only the lapped cars positioned between Hamilton and Verstappen were instructed to pass the safety car. This decision allowed Verstappen, who had been trailing and was on worn tires, to position himself directly behind Hamilton with fresh soft tires for the final lap, where he overtook Hamilton to secure his maiden world championship.
Ted Kravitz Applauds Lewis Hamilton’s Composure Following the Race
Kravitz also praised how Lewis Hamilton handled the fallout from the Abu Dhabi race, noting Hamilton’s initial reactions before fully understanding the controversy. On the same podcast, Kravitz stated that Hamilton’s demeanor during the aftermath exemplified dignity and grace despite the confusing and upsetting circumstances.
“History has shown how well Lewis Hamilton dealt with that, because he didn’t really know what had just happened, apart from saying on the radio, ‘this is being manipulated man,'” said Kravitz.
“But his reaction has stood the test of time in being so apposite, brilliant, appropriate, honorable, correct and inspirational for people, when something goes against you,” he added.
The 2021 title would have been Hamilton’s record-breaking eighth world championship, a milestone still unachieved four years later as he competes with Ferrari. The incident at Abu Dhabi continues to influence opinions in the F1 community and remains a pivotal moment in recent motorsport history.
Why the Abu Dhabi Controversy Still Resonates with Motorsport Fans
The decisions made by Michael Masi during the safety car period brought unprecedented scrutiny to FIA race management protocols. The outcome sparked debates about fairness, rule interpretation, and consistency in officiating. Masi’s subsequent removal as Race Director underscored how critical the incident was to the sport’s governance.
For drivers like Verstappen and Hamilton, the race represented not just a championship battle but a defining moment in their careers. Verstappen’s victory launched him into the sport’s elite, while Hamilton’s response showcased his resilience and professionalism under immense pressure.
Looking ahead, the Lewis Hamilton AD21 controversy has triggered calls for clearer safety car rules and enhanced transparency during race events. The FIA is expected to continue refining race procedures to prevent similar disputes, aiming to preserve the competitive integrity and excitement that Formula 1 commands worldwide.
As the sport evolves, the legacy of Abu Dhabi 2021 will remain a key reference point in discussions about race direction, fairness, and the fine margins separating triumph from controversy in Formula 1.
