Mohammed ben Sulayem has refused to rule out a return to Formula One for Michael Masi, much to the apparent shock of Lewis Hamilton. 

The Mercedes driver has expressed his annoyance over the recently-appointed FIA president stating in an interview with Sportsmail that there may be a way back for Masi, despite what happened at the end of last season.

The former race director was axed from his role in February after Hamilton controversially missed out on an eighth world title in Abu Dhabi last year. Due to the last lap drama, it was Red Bull's Max Verstappen who took home the title.

Last weekend, Ben Sulayem had his say on the topic of Masi and confirmed that he could return in some form in the future, though hugely unlikely as a race director again.

Speaking to Sportsmail, he said: “Michael is there and we might use him. We are open to everything.”

Following the interview, Sportsmail reported that the Hamilton team were ‘astonished’ by Mohammed’s recent comments.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 12: Race winner and 2021 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 12, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

The FIA plays a third when it comes to running Formula One, alongside the 10 teams and Formula One Management. With regards to the season, the FIA draw up the rules and run the races.

Recently, a source said: “Over the last few years the FIA has been marginalised and Ben Sulayem wants to return it to its old role. He doesn’t want anything himself, financially or in any other way. He maybe feels that Toto has got a little ahead of himself. It’s not up to Toto to run Formula One.”

Publicly, Mercedes have declined to comment on Ben Sulayem’s comments, claiming that the interview hadn’t crossed their minds. 

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 20: Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President, looks on in the Paddock during the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 20, 2022 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Ben Sulayem also expressed his opinion on jewellery being worn in the cockpit. 

“I love jewellery. I absolutely love it. But in the car, there can be no choice. People say they (the rules) haven’t been implemented before. Don’t ask me why not. People can ask the old regime why that is the case.”

Hamilton faces a fine if he drives with his stud in at the Monaco Grand Prix at the end of the month.