Niels Wittich has stood down as F1 Race Director with immediate effect.
Wittich has left the FIA to pursue new opportunities amidst on-going tensions between drivers and the sport’s governing body on issues like consistency of penalties, swearing and more.
His exit also comes just weeks after stewards controversially penalised Lando Norris at the US Grand Prix, despite the Brit having been recklessly forced wide by Max Verstappen in their scrap for third.
Confirming Wittich’s exit, a FIA spokesperson commented: “Niels has fulfilled his numerous responsibilities as race director with professionalism and dedication. We thank him for his commitment and we wish him the best for the future.”
F2 and F3 Race Director, Rui Marques has been swiftly appointed as Wittich’s replacement from the Las Vegas Grand Prix onwards, with the FIA spokesperson confident that Marques is the right candidate.
“Rui brings a wealth of experience having previously served as track marshal, scrutineer, national and international steward, deputy race director and race director in various championships.”
Wittich’s departure comes less than three years after he replaced Michael Masi in early 2022, after Masi was sacked following the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP scandal which saw Verstappen controversially deny Lewis Hamilton an eighth title.
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