Ted Kravitz makes a surprise comment in support of Michael Masi amid Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen's AD21 saga

Sky Sports F1's pit lane reporter, Ted Kravitz, expressed support for former race director Michael Masi as he discussed the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finish involving Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Kravitz said Masi had no bias against any driver when making a decision that ultimately determined the championship.

The 2021 Abu Dhabi title decider is widely considered one of the most controversial moments in F1 history. Masi was removed from his role as race director after the FIA concluded that he made a "human error" by misapplying the rules during the safety car period at the end of the race.

Hamilton led most of the race and was poised to win his eighth title. However, he was pipped to the finish line by Verstappen on the final lap after a controversial safety car restart. Masi allowed only the cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to unlap themselves, which did not align with usual race procedures.

Kravitz, who has been one of Masi's main critics, said there was no evidence to suggest that the Australian had any ill intentions against Hamilton.

"There is no evidence that Michael Masi had a preference either way of who was world champion," Kravitz said on the "Ainslie + Ainslie Performance People" podcast. "He was just, with a load of pressuring from the teams, and a load of intentions that he was aware of, that we don't really want races to finish under safety cars, we'd rather there was not a red flag, which would lead to one more chaotic lap like Baku earlier in the season, 'let them race'."

"There's all these sort of three things that he was doing and was encumbered by, I think, under pressure, that led him to make the decisions that he did on the day."

According to Article 48.12 of FIA regulations, a race can only restart after a safety car when all lapped cars have unlapped themselves. This was not followed, as Michael Masi made the call to allow only the five cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to unlap themselves on the same lap that the safety car came in.

Verstappen, who was about to lose the race and championship to Hamilton, suddenly found himself just behind his rival and on fresh soft tires. The Dutchman made the most of it, overtaking Hamilton and claiming his first world title.

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Ted Kravitz lauds Lewis Hamilton's reaction after the AD21 saga

Lewis Hamilton after the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Source: Getty

Ted Kravitz believes that Lewis Hamilton handled the controversy after the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP very well, given that he did not have the full picture immediately after the race.

Speaking on the aforementioned podcast, Kravitz lauded the former Mercedes man for his reaction and demeanor in parc ferme after the race ended.

"History has shown how well Lewis Hamilton dealt with that, because he didn't really know what had just happened, apart from saying on the radio, 'this is being manipulated man,'" said Kravitz.

"But his reaction has stood the test of time in being so apposite, brilliant, appropriate, honorable, correct and inspirational for people, when something goes against you," he added.

The 2021 world title would have been a record-breaking eighth for Hamilton. But as it happens, the 40-year-old is still searching for No. 8 four years on, now at Ferrari.