F1 legend Lewis Hamilton has been left stunned after FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem suggested Michael Masi may return to the sport. This comes just two months after the sport’s boss sacked the Australian for his role in the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last December.
But in his first interview since being appointed president five months ago, the UAE native teased a potential comeback for Masi. “Michael is there and we might use him. We are open to everything,” the 60-year-old said.
According to Sportsmail, Hamilton and his closest advisors are very surprised and disappointed with Sulayem’s comments, while Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was furious. The publication also revealed that Ben Sulayem said he ‘does not want a fight’ but ‘is simply aiming to restore the FIA to its rightful position, nothing more or less.’
A source outlined one of the FIA chief’s aims and took a little swipe at the Mercedes boss in the process. “Over the last few years the FIA has been marginalised and Ben Sulayem wants to return it to its old role,” the source disclosed.
“He doesn’t want anything himself, financially or in any other way. He maybe feels that Toto has got a little ahead of himself. It’s not up to Toto to run Formula One.” Another issue Ben Sulayem brought up was jewellery being worn in the cockpit.
Masi's FIA race director successor Niels Wittich has taken a strong stance on jewellery, with the organisations rules stating: "The wearing of jewellery in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains is prohibited during the competition and may therefore be checked before the start." Speaking before the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton labelled the move a "step backwards" for the sport and even went as far as to say: "If they stop me, then so be it. We've got a spare driver."
He was later given a two-race exemption to comply with the FIA's ban and removed his earrings, but not his nose piercing. Hamilton's exemption will come to an end at the Monaco Grand Prix.
When asked what will happen if he defies the FIA's wishes, Ben Sulayem replied: "That's up to him. There are fines that apply. It's like if someone speeds on the roads - you can't stop them doing it but they get fined, even if it was accidental.
"You can't let people off because they are your friends. There has to be one rule for all, and that's that." He then added: "I love jewellery. I absolutely love it. But in the car there can be no choice. People say they (the rules) haven't been implemented before. Don't ask me why not. People can ask the old regime why that is the case."
