Arriving in Las Vegas, a hot topic awaited the drivers: the departure of Niels Wittich, until then race director and who officiated for the last time in Brazil on November 3. In its press release published on November 12, the FIA explained that the German “ left his role as F1 racing director to pursue new opportunities ».
Quickly, various sources in the paddock suggested that it was not a voluntary departure on the part of Niels Wittich but rather a dismissal, against a backdrop of tension. “ [On] learned from several sources that the relationship between Wittich and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem was also somewhat contentious,” explained Craig Slater of Sky Sports F1.
“We weren’t aware”
Obviously, the media day in Las Vegas this Wednesday was the first opportunity to find out the first opinions of the drivers. A trend of surprise quickly emerged regarding the departure of the now ex-race director who will be replaced this weekend by Rui Marques, for the last three rounds of the 2024 campaign.
« We were completely unawareexplained George Russell, Mercedes driver and president of the drivers association (GPDA). It was a bit of a surprise for everyone. We pilots often feel like we are the last to discover this kind of information. And when it concerns us directly, it would be good to be kept informed and have an idea of the decisions that are being made. »
Max Verstappen, who has recently been at the heart of the somewhat controversial decisions of the race direction, accepted the FIA's decision, however questioning it, in particular because of the timing. “ It's a bit strange to do this with three races to goadds the Dutchman. Whether we are positive or negative about certain things does not matter (…) But it is still strange to have to deal with a different race director.
Generally, when we want to change race directors, we do it after the season, which gives the manager some time. [nouveau] to get into the rhythm. Then there are the pre-season tests and we become a little more familiar with his role. But let's see how it goes. They made their decision and we have to live with it. »
Same story with Charles Leclerc. “ We were all surprisedconcedes the latter. Beyond talking about the decision, which we can all have our own opinions on, I think the timing is a bit surprising, to do it so late in the year, at such a crucial time. This could probably have been managed better.. » This should not help the popularity of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, challenged by the drivers in recent times.
READ ALSO > Vulgarities: the pilots retort forcefully and send Ben Sulayem back to “his own language”
