Portugal Colonial - Vettel defends race director after controversial end to F1 season

Masi's position is under intense scrutiny after he was accused of bending the rules to allow Max Verstappen the chance to beat Lewis Hamilton to the title following a late safety car period in last season's finale in Abu Dhabi.

But Vettel, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, has thrown his weight behind the under-fire Australian.

"For Michael, it has been a pity," said Vettel, speaking at the launch of Aston Martin's car for the 2022 season.

"There are two interests clashing -- one is the sport and the other is the show. I don't care so much about the show because what I look at is a sport and from a competitive point of view."

The 34-year-old German added: "Michael has been very focused and determined to do a good job. I don't know what is in store for his future but I hope he sticks around because overall he has done a very good job.

"There was a lot of controversy surrounding the last race but that shouldn't be, because if you look at the bigger picture he has done really well.

"The main thing moving forward is that there is clarity in these situations so no further questions are asked."

In the final stages of the Abu Dhabi race, Masi ordered only the lapped cars between Hamilton and second-placed Verstappen through, providing the Dutchman, on fresh tyres, a shot at passing Hamilton -- who was on old rubber.

Verstappen grabbed his chance, with Hamilton claiming the result was "manipulated".

Hamilton, 37, is now awaiting the outcome of the FIA's (International Automobile Federation's) investigation ahead of the new season, which starts in Bahrain on March 20.

British team Aston Martin returned to the grid last year but finished only seventh of the 10 constructors, with Vettel 12th in the drivers' standings.

Team principal Otmar Szafnauer has since left and been replaced by former BMW chief Mike Krack.

"At this stage everyone is hoping to be at the top and we hope we are in a much better shape than last year," said Vettel, whose team-mate is Canadian Lance Stroll.

"We have the ability this year to develop the car which we didn't do last year for more than three-quarters of the season.

"I hope the field will be closer and provide us with the chance to race at the front. Last year, we knew from the start it was going to be a long and difficult season so we hope for a better one."

P.Mira--PC