Ex-F1 Race Director Masi Joins SRO Australia

Photo: SRO Motorsports Australia

SRO Motorsports Australia has announced that former Formula 1 race director Michael Masi has joined the organization as its new head of sporting.

Masi takes on the role ahead of this weekend’s penultimate round of the GT World Challenge Australia by AWS season at Sydney Motorsports Park.

His duties will entail “ensuring processes and procedures are followed under the standard of SRO Global, managing the Stewards, Race Director and other race officials, as well as implementing international best practices as per other SRO series”.

Masi is best known for his three-season tenure as F1’s race director, as he succeeded the late Charlie Whiting in 2019, and notably presided over the controversial 2021 title-decider in Abu Dhabi where Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to the crown.

The fallout from Masi’s decision-making, widely regarded to have influenced the outcome, led to his removal from the role in early 2022.

He subsequently was appointed as the independent chair of the Supercars Commission, having previously served as the Australian championship’s deputy race director.

Masi takes over the head of sporting role from Abi Hay, with a handover to take place over the final rounds of the Shannons SpeedSeries at Sydney Motorsport Park and Sandown before Masi takes over the role full-time in 2027.

It comes as Hay elects to focus on her other concurrent roles within the wider SRO Motorsports Group, which include Intercontinental GT Challenge series manager, manufacturer relations Manager and SRO GT Academy Manager.

“This is an extremely exciting opportunity to be part of the next chapter for SRO Motorsports Australia, and I’m looking forward to continuing the great work that has already been done by the team and particularly Abi,” Masi said.

“GT racing in Australia has been on a steady rise, and I’m confident there is plenty of opportunity to continue building on the strong foundations that have already been established.

“I’m looking forward to working with everyone involved and hopefully implementing some positive initiatives that can further develop the sport and deliver benefits for competitors, teams and all of our stakeholders.”

SRO Motorsports Australia CEO Ben McLellan added: “We are delighted to have someone of Michael’s stature joining SRO Motorsports Australia for the remainder of the 2026 season and beyond.

“Michael brings an enormous amount of experience from decades spent at the in top positions of motorsport, and we’re confident his knowledge and expertise will help take GT racing in Australia to the next level.

“While Michael’s appointment is a fantastic coup for SRO Motorsports Australia, he is also stepping into a strong position that has been built through the tireless efforts of Abi Hay.

“We want to thank Abi for everything she has contributed to SRO Motorsports Australia over the past three years. We wouldn’t be in the position we are today without her knowledge, hard-working attitude and dedication, and I have no doubt she will be missed by our team and the wider Australian motorsport community.”

Earlier this week, a 15-car GTWC Australia field was announced for the Sydney Motorsport Park round, with the Adelaide finale to follow in late November.

Source: Sports Car 365