Niels Wittich departs as F1 race director, with Rui Marques appointed as his immediate successor, signaling swift changes within the FIA.
Today is announcement day in Formula 1. Following confirmation of the partnership between Alpine F1 and Mercedes (read here) and the dismissal of Dan Fallows at Aston Martin F1 (read here), the FIA has revealed that Niels Wittich has stepped down as F1 race director with immediate effect.
The German, who held the position since 2022, “has left his post to pursue new opportunities,” the FIA stated in a press release.
“The FIA can confirm that Niels Wittich has resigned from his position as F1 race director to pursue new opportunities. Niels fulfilled his extensive responsibilities as race director with professionalism and dedication. We thank him for his commitment and wish him the best for the future.”
Wittich first took on the role of race director at the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix, replacing Michael Masi, who was removed after the FIA determined he had not properly enforced the rules in the previous year’s championship-deciding race.
Throughout 2022, Wittich shared his race director responsibilities with Eduardo Freitas. However, starting in early 2023, Wittich held the role full-time. Before joining F1, Wittich served as the race director for DTM.
This unexpected change occurred swiftly, with FIA staff only informed earlier on Tuesday.
He will be replaced by Rui Marques, formerly the race director for Formula 2 and Formula 3, starting from the next race in Las Vegas.
“Rui Marques will assume the role of race director beginning with the Las Vegas Grand Prix.”
“Rui brings extensive experience, having previously held roles as track marshal, technical steward, national and international steward, deputy race director, and race director across various championships. Most recently, he served as race director for Formula 2 and Formula 3.”
- Read also:
- Official : Dan Fallows Departs Aston Martin F1 Amid Leadership Shift
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FIA Appoints Marques as New F1 Race Director Amid Changes FIA Appoints Marques as New F1 Race Director Amid Changes
