Former Formula One race director Masi leaves FIA

Five months after being dismissed as Formula One race director, Michael Masi has departed his position at the governing body of racing.

The FIA announced Tuesday that Masi is moving to Australia “to be closer to his family and to take on new challenges,” according to a statement from the organization.

Last December’s championship-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, in which Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won his maiden world title by passing Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton on the final lap, resulted in Masi, 44, being fired as race director after three years on the job.

Masi was to remain with the FIA in an unspecified function, the organization declared at the time.

It was determined by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) back in March that Masi was at blame for the season-ending race’s controversial restart process, although he did it in good faith.

Thank you for your dedication and professionalism,” said the FIA, which praised Masi for carrying out “the multiple duties” he was given.