The recent sacking of Formula 1 racing director Niels Wittich has seen the FIA promote his F2 and F3 equivalent Rui Marques with immediate effect, a choice that satisfies Helmut Marko.
We do not know the exact reasons for the “resignation” (denied by the main person concerned) of the person responsible for the sporting management of the Grands Prix by the FIA.
It seems that recent events on the American tour have not worked in Wittich's favor, between the variable geometry interpretations of the track limits in Austin, the questionable overtaking maneuvers in Mexico and the somewhat red flag neutralization. late in the rain in Brazil.
As there was already water in the gas between the race director and president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the divorce was pronounced before the end of the championship, propelling his successor Rui Marques, in charge for two years, to the forefront. years of F2 and F3 racing after having been in charge of the WTCC (World Touring Car Championship) for a long time.
Good job
“He did a very good job in F2 and F3 managing drivers who were often too hot, testifies Helmut Marko, head of the Red Bull Junior Team who is very involved in these categories. I think the FIA made the right decision by appointing him instead of Wittich.”
Marques has long been the protégé of another Portuguese official, the controversial Eduardo Freitas who was sidelined from the Grands Prix at the end of 2022 to concentrate on the WEC world endurance championship.
From the important meeting in Las Vegas in a week, he will officiate as race director of Formula 1 at a crucial moment in the title race between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
