Confirmed: Niels Wittich resigns as F1 race director, Rui Marques takes over

11/12/2024 11:03 AM

In a surprise decision, the FIA has confirmed that Niels Wittich has resigned from his role as F1 race director with immediate effect. "Niels has carried out the highly responsible role of race director with professionalism and dedication. We thank him for his commitment and wish him all the best for the future," commented the FIA in an official statement.

Starting from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, race direction will be entrusted to Rui Marques. "Rui brings with him extensive experience, having previously served as a track steward, examiner, national and international steward, deputy race director, and race director in various championships. Over the past two seasons, he has been race director for both Formula 2 and Formula 3," explained the International Federation.

Niels Wittich's departure follows that of many others who have left the FIA over the past twelve months. The 52-year-old German had held the role of F1 race director since the first race of the 2022 Formula 1 season, appointed as a replacement for Michael Masi after the well-known controversy at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Initially, Niels Wittich shared the sensitive position with WEC championship race director Eduardo Freitas, then took on the role full-time midway through the 2022 Formula 1 season.

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