‘There is practically nothing to say’: Lewis Hamilton will NOT talk to Michael Masi as the ex-race director returns to F1 paddock for the to start with time considering the fact that his controversial mishandling of the 2021 title finale that price the Brit a entire world championship
Michael Masi built controversial contact with basic safety car at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GPThe determination led to Lewis Hamilton remaining passed by Max Verstappen on closing lapMasi lost his function as Formula One race director quickly after amid furious drop-out
Lewis Hamilton claimed he will not converse to Michael Masi – the sacked Formula 1 referee accused of costing him a file eighth entire world championship – mainly because ‘there is nothing at all to say’.
Masi is back at an F1 paddock for the initial time because his mishandling of the 2021 season decider in Abu Dhabi which furnished Max Verstappen with the chance to defeat Hamilton in a ultimate-lap shootout and win the title.
The deeply contentious race price tag Masi his occupation as F1 race director. He remaining the FIA last summer time ahead of transferring dwelling to Australia and being appointed chairman of the V8 Supercars Commission.
The existence of Masi, 44, at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix could evoke bad recollections for Hamilton.
The 38-year-old has not gained a race given that he lost to Verstappen in Abu Dhabi, and he has presently dominated himself out of this season’s championship struggle with his Mercedes machinery unable to contend from Verstappen’s top-quality Pink Bull.
Lewis Hamilton insists he will not talk to Michael Masi at the Australian Grand Prix this week
Hamilton arrived in Melbourne before this week as he aims to switch Mercedes’ year around
But asked if he programs to talk to Masi in Melbourne, and request an explanation for what occurred in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton replied: ‘I really don’t. I am just targeted on my upcoming.
‘I am centered on attempting to get back again to profitable. There is nothing at all to say.’
The race at Albert Park marks the 10th anniversary of Hamilton’s debut with Mercedes.
Hamilton has won six of his seven titles with the Silver Arrows. On the other hand, he is experiencing up to the prospect of one more demanding yr immediately after finishing fifth at the opening two rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Hamilton’s £40million-a-season offer expires at the near of the present-day marketing campaign, and there is no indicator of an extension on the horizon.
But Hamilton additional: ‘I truly feel awesome about it [his Mercedes future]. I proceed to experience extremely a lot at property.
‘It is my relatives, and I see myself currently being with Mercedes until finally my last days. If you glimpse at the legends like Sir Stirling Moss, who was with Mercedes until eventually the finish of times, that has been the desire for me, to one particular working day have that.
‘I have acquired some wonderful allies at the staff, some fantastic interactions right here, and as very long as I can keep on to help the group, generate the staff ahead and really lead then that is why I want to remain.
‘If there is ever a position exactly where I sense like I am not capable to do that, it is time for a youngster to appear in and choose my seat. But I nevertheless experience fairly young and in rather first rate condition.’
Michael Masi’s infamous get in touch with less than the basic safety car successfully cost Hamilton the 2021 title
Masi’s connect with led to Max Verstappen passing Hamilton on the past lap to snatch the 2021 title
Hamilton also responded to a few-time planet winner Nelson Piquet past week staying ordered by a Brazil court to fork out £780,000 for racist and homophobic comments he built about the British driver.
‘I would like to acknowledge the Brazil governing administration,’ reported Hamilton.
‘It is very awesome in what they have finished by keeping someone to account, and exhibiting individuals that racism and homophobia is not tolerated and not satisfactory and that there is no place for it inside our culture.
‘I adore they have demonstrated that they stand for one thing, and I want that additional governments out there would do that.’