Michael Masi having worked at the end of 2021 for one of the biggest imbroglios in F1 in recent years (“No Mike, no! This is so not right”), he was replaced by a duo: Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas at the post of Formula 1 Race Director. These two collaborated on several grand prix until the 2022 Japanese grand prix with a catastrophic episode of a crane on the track, reminiscent of the GP of 2014 and Jules Bianchi's accident.
In short, Niels Wittich was alone on board for the position of Race Director. But it seems that the latest delays on penalties “at the head of the customer” cost him his place. That and the controversial decisions at Interlagos brought down the ax. Officially, the FIA says Wittich has resigned with immediate effect.
“The FIA can confirm that Niels Wittich has left his role as F1 racing director to pursue new opportunities. Niels fulfilled his many responsibilities as race director with professionalism and dedication. We thank him for his commitment and wish him the best for the future.”
Except that the person concerned indicates to several media including Motorsport-Magazin.com that he was only made aware of his resignation a short time before it was made official. Clearly, he did not quit and was fired. Without assuming anything more…well done the FIA. He will be replaced by the Portuguese Rui Marques, Race Director in Formula 2 and Formula 3. Well, not sure that it will be more consistent in terms of decisions, but hey, let's give the guy a chance.
Our opinion, by leblogauto.com
Changing your Race Director three grand prix before the end of the season is strange. F1 and the FIA undoubtedly wanted to “make an example” and ease certain tensions. However, it is difficult, especially when one says that he was fired and that he officially resigned. Oops !
Since the death of Charlie Whitting, no one seems able to take over. Lack of charisma (Whitting was not free from all reproaches in his decisions but knew how to calm down controversies)? Interpersonal skills? Let us welcome and good luck to Rui Marques. The Las Vegas GP takes place from November 21-24 and is expected to see Max Verstappen crowned for the fourth time in a row.
To summarize
F1 once again changes its Race Director in a short time. Since Charlie Whitting's death, no one seems to be able to live up to him. Niels Wittich has officially resigned. The person said he was fired. It pays for “customer-led” decisions on the track. Rui Marques replaces him from Las Vegas.
