Lewis Hamilton rival Fernando Alonso claims Michael Masi did 'nothing wrong'

dailystar.co.uk:

Lewis Hamilton by claiming race director Michael Masi did “nothing wrong” at last season’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.The Alpine driver insisted there was no foul play involved as Mercedes driver Hamilton controversially lost out on a record-extending eighth Formula One world championship due to sketchy decision-making by Masi.Alonso developed a bitter rivalry with a rookie Hamilton during their singular shared season at McLaren in 2007, where he claimed the Brit was given preferential treatment.And his latest comments are unlikely to earn him a place in Hamilton’s good books as he went against the general consensus in relation to the title-deciding final race of last season.Speaking at Alpine’s 2022 car launch, the Spaniard said: "On the whole theme of Abu Dhabi, maybe I have a different opinion, I don't think that there was anything wrong [with Masi's decision] there. "I don't think that they changed it [the race control structure] because of Abu Dhabi, or I hope not."The FIA announced last week that Masi would be replaced for the new season due to his role in the highly controversial final race of the 2021 season, which allowed Max Verstappen to nick the title.Do you think Fernando Alonso's right over Michael Masi's dismissal?

Let us know in the comments section.Mercedes ace Hamilton led for much of the race until a safety car complicated matters.Masi heavily affected the outcome by calling in the safety car on the final lap of the race before all of the cars had been unlapped, allowing Verstappen the advantage as he overtook Hamilton on fresher tires to dramatically win his first championship.The Australian’s decision-making was deemed against the rules by Mercedes, who successfully campaigned for his replacement as race.