Fernando Alonso of Alpine has expressed his gratitude for Michael Masi, claiming that the Race Director did not make many mistakes at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Fernando Alonso expects that the latest modifications to the FIA’s race governance structure are unrelated to Michael Masi’s decision-making in the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Alonso praised the alterations announced by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, which saw Masi removed from his role as Race Director and replaced by new additions Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas.

The Spaniard, on the other hand, has no concerns about Masi’s handling of the controversial Abu Dhabi race.

“I mean, it’s a new president, so he obviously wanted to make sure that everything was in place,” Alonso told RACER, when asked for his opinion on the announced changes.

“As I’ve said a couple of times, I like Mohammed, I like the approach he has, so if he thinks that we needed some new ideas there, then it’s for the good for everyone, so I’m happy with that.”

Alonso: “Maybe I have a different opinion…”

While the well-documented events of the 2021 final season have lead to a clear divide between those who think Masi’s choice went against the rulebook and those who believe he made the correct choices, Alonso could not perceive “anything wrong” with way the final laps played out.

“On the whole thing of Abu Dhabi, maybe I have a different opinion,” he commented.

“I don’t think there was anything wrong there. I don’t think they changed it because of Abu Dhabi – or I hope not.”

Esteban Ocon, Alonso’s teammate, had a different point of view, claiming that the rules were not followed appropriately.

“If the rules can be followed the whole time and be more consistent, then I’m very pleased,” he summed up.

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