Former F1 Race Director Michael Masi Secures New Motorsport Role in New Zealand

This marks his latest career move after several years away from top-tier Formula 1 responsibilities, signaling a return to operational leadership within a national governing body framework.

New Position with Repco NextGen NZ Championship

Motorsport New Zealand has officially named Masi as the Event Director for the Repco NextGen NZ Championship, a national racing series that includes the Formula Regional Oceania Championship. In this role, Masi will oversee the championship’s race officials and operations teams to ensure the safe, fair, and professional staging of race events throughout the season.

His responsibilities include supervising officials, refining operational processes, and providing expert guidance to ensure Motorsport New Zealand’s regulations align with best practice standards. He is also expected to contribute to training frameworks for officials, utilizing his extensive regulatory experience.

Career Trajectory Since Leaving F1

Michael Masi served as the FIA Formula One World Championship race director from 2019 until 2021. His tenure ended amid controversy surrounding the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which led to an FIA restructuring. Since leaving the FIA, Masi has remained active in motorsport, holding roles such as Chair of the Supercars Commission and governance positions with Karting Australia.

Significance of the Role

The appointment reflects the value placed on Masi’s experience at the highest levels of racing administration. Motorsport New Zealand President Deborah Day highlighted that Masi’s background will help improve systems and elevate racing standards.

« Michael’s experience at the highest levels of global motorsport will help us sharpen our systems, elevate our championships, and support our officials. »

Masi’s involvement arrives ahead of the summer racing season, scheduled to begin with preparations for key early events such as the Hampton Downs International.

Looking Ahead

While his tenure in F1 remains a significant part of his legacy, this new role offers a fresh chapter. By applying his regulatory knowledge to the Repco NextGen NZ Championship, Masi has the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the development of racing in a country with a rich motorsport heritage.