Michael Masi's Abu Dhabi safety car exchange with Red Bull branded 'uncomfortable listen'
A VIDEO is currently doing the rounds showing Michael Masi and Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley chatting during the controversial safety car procedure at the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP.
Max Verstappen prevails in world title shoot-out
F1 world champion Damon Hill has given his thoughts on a video currently doing the rounds, in which you can hear FIA race director Michael Masi conversing with Red Bull’s sporting director Jonathan Wheatley over the safety car procedure during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale.
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The video has gone viral on social media, with many having their say on the video, and some have argued that Masi listened to Red Bull's wishes.
"Obviously those lapped cars, you don't need to let them go right the way around and catch up the back of the pack," Wheatley could be heard saying in the video as Masi decides what rule to implement.
Masi simply replied with: "Understood."
Wheatley added: "You need to let them go."
To which Masi responded: "Understood, just give me a second."
Before Wheatley ended: "And then we got a motor race on our hands."
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The clip was posted on Twitter by a fan @F1_Jordan who wrote: “This is shocking. New emerging footage of @F1 Abu Dhabi GP containing previously unheard radio.
“Masi essentially executed the instructions of Jonathan Wheatley (Red Bull) without any second thought over its legality or fairness. This should be sickening listening to any fan.”
This prompted a response from Hill, who admitted he was left 'uncomfortable' by the footage.
“Jordan, sorry to burst your hot air balloon, but its not new or emerging news. It does however make for uncomfortable listening, as it did at the time,” the 1996 world champion penned.
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“No-one (except Red Bull) is happy about this. The question is, what does one do about it? Grateful for any ingenious ideas.”
An enquiry into the events of the explosive day, in which Max Verstappen was crowned as the champion, while Lewis Hamiltion was denied a record eighth title, are ongoing.
Despite the controversy, Verstappen believes he is a deserving champion.
“I had a very good season and I think I really deserved it. I have been really unlucky as well,” the 24-year-old told The Guardian.
“People always remember the last race but, if you look at the whole season, the championship should have been decided way earlier.”
He also had little sympathy for Hamilton despite his last-gasp heartbreak in Abu Dhabi.
“If I was already a seven-time world champion it hurts a bit less than when I am fighting for my first, leading all the way, controlling it all the way, and then losing it on the last lap. That would be way more painful than already having seven in the bag.
"Just look back on the seven you have. I don’t think it’s so bad, is it?”
