Jacques Villeneuve has suggested that Niels Wittich's abrupt departure was a direct consequence of the handling of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The FIA confirmed last week that Wittich would no longer hold the role of racing director, effective immediately, saying he had left the FIA to pursue new opportunities. However, Wittich claimed that he did not resign from his position but was ousted.
Villeneuve suggested that certain decisions taken during the Sao Paulo weekend, which took place in dangerous conditions, were to blame for the situation.
Race management came under fire from Red Bull during qualifying, as they questioned the delay in raising a red flag in qualifying after a Lance Stroll crash, which resulted in Max Verstappen's premature elimination from the race. session.
“The departure of Neils Wittich is surprising with three races to go,” admits Villeneuve.
“It's big news. I would like to know why. Maybe a lot of people were not happy with the decisions in Brazil.”
“There are also the controversies in Austin and Mexico. We don't know if there are also personal issues that have nothing to do with the race, so let's not judge too quickly.”
“However, it is surprising to have such a change with three races to go. He was a regular, quite strict and direct. Something happened that we are not aware of.”
The FIA has confirmed that Rui Marques will take over as race director for the final three races of the season.
Marques' most recent experience is the role of race director in the Formula 2 and Formula 3 categories.
