Former Australian Formula One racing director Michael Massey has revealed he was subjected to ‘sneaky’ abuse and death threats for misbehavior at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final round of the 2021 season, which ended with the victory of Dutch Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. race and world title and stripping British Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton from his eighth coronation.

Massey was suspended in February last year amid criticism after he decided to restart on his last lap while the cars were behind the safety car during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, giving Verstappen the victory after overtaking Hamilton.

In an interview with the Australian newspaper The Daily Telegraph, Massey said he feared for his life, adding: “There have been some dark days. Of course, I felt like the most hated person in the world. I was threatened with death. People said they would target me and my family.”

“I still remember walking the streets of London a day or two after (what happened) thinking I was fine until I started looking back. I looked at people wondering if they were going to attack me.”

The IF made a “detailed and explanatory analysis” of the disputed events and decided to change the way races are run in the championship by banning contact between the race director and team managers during races and by establishing virtual race controls. a room similar to a video assistant referee (VAR) in football.

The Daily Telegraph reported that Massey was unable to speak about the decision he made in Abu Dhabi due to a secrecy deal with the FIA, but said the months following the crash were hell.

He said: “I found myself facing hundreds of messages. It was shocking. Racist, offensive, vile. I cursed every possible insult. LinkedIn, created by It, is designed to be a professional platform for business.”

The Aussie said he tried to ignore the messages, but it took a toll on his mental health, adding: “I didn’t go to talk to[психотерапевтом]… Maybe I should have.”

He revealed that the FIA ​​was aware of the abuse he was subjected to, “but I think I underestimated it all in front of everyone, including them (the FIA).”

Massey decided two weeks ago to leave the FIA ​​for good after three years as F1 director of racing and safety, knowing he took on the task following the sudden death of Charlie Whiting in 2019.

Of the aftermath of the Abu Dhabi race, he said: “It took me a while to think things through. But at the end of the day, I thought it would be better for me to go home and be close to my (his family’s) support network. .”