New sensation in the world of Formula 1: three Grands Prix before the end of an already lively season, the FIA announced this Tuesday that Niels Wittich was leaving his post as F1 race director, with immediate effect. The German official, shaken and weakened by the controversies and decisions taken in recent weeks during the American rounds, particularly in Austin and Mexico, will not last until the end of the championship. He will therefore be replaced at the next meeting, in Las Vegas (November 21-23), by Rui Marques, who served as race director in Formula 2 and Formula 3.
“The FIA can confirm that Niels Wittich has left his position as F1 Racing Director in order to pursue new opportunities, can we read in the press release published by the FIA. Niels carried out his many responsibilities as race director with professionalism and dedication. We thank him for his commitment and wish him the best for the future.
“Rui Marques will take on the role of race director from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, announces the FIA. Rui brings a wealth of experience as he has been a track marshal, scrutineer, national and international marshal, assistant race director and race director in different championships. Most recently, he served as racing director in Formula 2 and Formula 3.
Replacing Michael Masi after the chaotic scenario of Abu Dhabi 2021, Niels Wittich remained much more discreet than his predecessor in the paddock, to avoid media pressure around him and his role. After alternating with Eduardo Freitas in 2022, the German became the sole racing director of Formula 1 in 2023. Unfortunately, for several weeks, he had found himself under fire following controversial and risky decisions taken on certain Grands Prix.
In Austin, the sanction imposed on Lando Norris for overtaking Max Verstappen outside the track limits, despite the Dutchman's muscular defense, caused a stir in the paddock. The following week, in Mexico, Max Verstappen was heavily sanctioned twice for pushing his British rival outside the track limits; some considered these penalties inconsistent with the one handed out in Texas. The drivers then called for immediate changes to the racing rules in Formula 1 for greater consistency and clarity.
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