BARCELONA, Spain -- Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has accused the FIA of throwing Michael Masi "under the bus" after the governing body announced the former F1 race director will be replaced this year.
Masi oversaw the controversial season finale in Abu Dhabi last year in which Verstappen was crowned champion after beating Lewis Hamilton to victory on the final lap of the race.
In an attempt to ensure the championship was not decided behind a safety car, Masi skipped over parts of the safety car restart procedure and in the process handed Verstappen an advantage when racing resumed on the final lap.