It's announcement day in Formula 1 today. After the confirmation of the association between Alpine F1 and Mercedes (read here), the sidelining of Dan Fallows at Aston Martin F1 (read here), we learn from the FIA that Niels Wittich has left his position of Formula 1 race director with immediate effect!
The German, who has held this position since 2022, “left his position to pursue new opportunities”said the FIA in a press release.
“The FIA can confirm that Niels Wittich has resigned as F1 Race Director to pursue new opportunities. Niels has fulfilled his many responsibilities as Race Director with professionalism and dedication. We thank him for his commitment and We wish the best for the future.”
Wittich served as race director for the first time during the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix. He replaced Michael Masi, who was removed from his role after the FIA determined he had not properly applied the rules during the championship-deciding race the previous year.
Throughout 2022, Wittich shared his race director responsibilities with Eduardo Freitas. However, from the start of 2023, Wittich has held this position full-time. Before joining F1, Wittich was the racing director of the DTM.
This surprise change happened quickly. FIA staff were only informed of this earlier on Tuesday.
He will be replaced from the next race in Las Vegas by Rui Marques, until now race director for Formulas 2 and 3.
“Rui Marques will assume the role of race director starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix.”
“Rui brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as Track Steward, Technical Steward, National and International Steward, Assistant Clerk of the Course and Clerk of the Course in various championships. Most recently, he held the position of racing director of Formula 2 and Formula 3.”
