Jean Todt received calls from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s Christian Horner after the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The infamous Formula 1 championship decider at Yas Marina was the last for the Frenchman in his former role as FIA president before handing over to current president Mohamed Ben Sulayem at the start of 2022.
In the wake of the finish, which saw Max Verstappen pass Lewis Hamilton in a last-lap showdown following Michael Masi’s controversial handling of a late Safety Car, Mercedes protested the result but that was dismissed.
And now, Todt has revealed both team bosses sought his intervention during his time.
“I didn’t do anything, it’s not the role of the president of the FIA,” he told Corriere della Sera.
“Referees must be autonomous. Have you ever heard [FIFA president Gianni] Infantino say ‘Here there was a penalty, and here there was not’.
“In the documentary [‘The Method’ on French TV] you can see that I’m watching that race in the country house with the crew.
“Horner and Wolff call me and to them, I replied: ‘I can’t interfere, it’s the responsibility of the stewards and the Race Director.’”
Todt’s successor Ben Sulayem dealt with the fallout of Abu Dhabi by requesting a review that later concluded Masi had “acted in good faith” but committed a “human error” with his decisions during the late Safety Car.
The Australian was removed as race director and later left the FIA, taking up the role of Commission Chair for the Supercars championship late last year.
And upon his first appearance in the F1 paddock since Abu Dhabi at the last race in Melbourne, Masi was asked about the huge reaction his actions generated.
“People have their perspective and are entitled to their view,” he told the Daily Mail. “I respect any view, and it’s not for me to comment on what they do or don’t think.
“And if I am approached to have a discussion I am open to it, and always have been.”
