Fuming fans sent axed F1 race director Michael Masi death threats after Abu Dhabi fiasco

Former Formula 1 race director Michael Masi has revealed the death threats he received in the wake of last season's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale.

The race will forever be infamous among F1 fans for the controversial way in which the drivers' title was decided. Lewis Hamilton led for much of the race, but Max Verstappen snatched the win on the last lap after a botched safety car restart.

Masi was the man in charge of the race and made the decision to end the safety car period early and allow one final lap of racing. The FIA later admitted he had not handled the situation correctly and removed him from the role.

But before then there was more than a month of ire on social media among furious fans, with much of the anger and hatred directed at Masi himself. Speaking to Australian media this week, the former race director revealed some of the horrific abuse which came his way.

"There were some dark days," he said. "Absolutely, I felt like I was the most hated man in the world. I got death threats. People saying they were going to come after me and my family.

"They were shocking – racist, abusive, vile, they called me every name under the sun. And they kept on coming. Not just on my Facebook but also on my LinkedIn, which is supposed to be a professional platform for business. It was the same type of abuse."

Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to become world champion for the first time (AFP via Getty Images)

Masi revealed the messages were part of the reason for his radio silence in public during the off-season, as he "didn't want to talk to anyone". He added: "Not even family and friends. I only talked to my close family – but very briefly.

"It did have a physical impact, but it was more mental. I just wanted to be in a bubble. I had no desire to talk to them. I just wanted to be alone, which was very challenging. The whole experience has made me a much stronger person."

Masi was originally moved to a different role within the FIA, but officially left the organisation earlier this month. Explaining the decision, the governing body said the Australian was planning to move back home "to be closer to his family and take on new challenges".