Niels Wittich has stepped down from his role as F1 Race Director with immiediate effect.
The FIA has confirmed Formula 1 Race Director Niels Wittich has left his role with immediate effect. He will not oversee the final three rounds of the 2024 F1 Championship.
Wittich replaced Michael Masi after the controversial finish to the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He spent almost three seasons as F1’s Race Director.
Previously, the German was a Race Director in the German DTM championship before taking the opportunity to be F1’s Race Director.
Wittich initially shared the role with FIA WEC Race Director Eduardo Freitas, before taking over as F1 Race Director full-time.
FIA Statement
The FIA released a statement on Tuesday, confirming that the 52-year-old had left his position ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix to “pursue new opportunities”.
“The FIA can confirm that Niels Wittich has stepped down from his position as F1 Race Director to pursue new opportunities,” the statement said.
“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.”
Who is the German’s replacement?
Rui Marques will be the German’s replacement for the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix. The Portuguese has been F2’s and F3’s Race director for the past two seasons.
“Rui Marques will assume the role of Race Director from the Las Vegas Grand Prix,” the FIA stated.
“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. Most recently, he held the position of Formula 2 and Formula 3 Race Director.”
Many senior figures leaving
Wittich has not been the only person to leave the FIA in recent times. Sporting Director Steve Nielsen left the organisation in December, spending less than a year in the role.
January saw leading engineer Tim Goss leaving his role as single-seater Technical Director. He now finds himself at Red Bull’s RB team.
Finally, in May, Natalie Robyn left her role as Chief Executive Officer after only spending a year-and-a-half in the role.
Wittich’s resignation comes weeks after the controversy in Austin and Mexico. The FIA’s guidelines were being pushed for answers after Max Verstappen had pushed the limit in Austin and went over the limit in Mexico.
The FIA agreed with the drivers to revise the racing guidelines in time for the penultimate race of the season in Qatar.
Feature Image Credit: Lars Baron – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images