Sebastian Vettel has defended FIA race director Michael Masi and stated the Australian deserves to maintain his job regardless of botching the end of final yr’s title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Masi carried out the principles incorrectly to drive a one-lap dash race in Abu Dhabi, which helped Max Verstappen overtake Lewis Hamilton to dramatically win the championship.

The FIA, F1’s governing physique, remains to be investigating how Masi’s resolution course of impacted the ultimate laps of the race, whereas his future within the function of race director has been referred to as into query.

Vettel believes it’s unfair to guage Masi purely on the idea of 1 resolution.

“For Michael, it has been a pity,” Vettel stated forward of the launch of Aston Martin’s 2022 automotive. “There are two pursuits clashing.

“One is the game and the opposite is the present. I do not care a lot concerning the present as a result of I have a look at is a sport and from a aggressive viewpoint.

“Clearly, it’s not the best to be within the footwear of the referee, or Michael’s footwear, however he has performed an amazing job, notably after filling in for [former race director] Charlie Whiting who died so immediately.

“Michael has been very centered and decided to do a superb job. I do not know what’s in retailer for his future however I hope he sticks round as a result of general he has performed an excellent job.

“There was a whole lot of controversy surrounding the final race however that should not be, as a result of for those who have a look at the larger image he has performed very well.

“The primary factor shifting ahead is that there’s readability in these conditions so no additional questions are requested.”

The controversy over Abu Dhabi created a query as as to if Hamilton would proceed racing into 2022. The seven-time world champion was stated to be “disillusioned” within the aftermath of that race, though final week he ended a near-two month hiatus from social media and declared: “I have been gone. Now I am again.”

Hamilton has since shared Instagram tales exhibiting him coaching, presumably for the brand new season, though he has not formally declared he’ll race this yr.

Vettel refused to be drawn into speculating on Hamilton’s mindset.

“I do not know actually whether or not Lewis was contemplating whether or not to cease or not. I feel you must ask him!

“I feel he is aggressive… Has he confirmed that he’ll race? I do not know what the most recent is.”