New controversy to come within the FIA at this end of the already very tense season? This Tuesday, the Federation announced the departure of its race director Niels Wittich with immediate effect, three Grands Prix before the final whistle.
In its press release, the Federation explains that the German “ left his role as F1 racing director to pursue new opportunities. 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.. »
A dispute with Mohammed Ben Sulayem?
But behind the scenes, the story appears more complex than it seems. According to information from Sky Sports F1, Niels Wittich has not left his post. Moreover, he did not have any no intention » to leave. Our English colleagues explain that the now ex-F1 race director was quite simply fired by the FIA.
Among the reasons, Sky Sports F1 mentions in particular that the German has a difference of opinion with the staff of the motorsport policeman and more particularly with its president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “ [On] learned from several sources that the relationship between Wittich and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem was also somewhat contentious. » Within the paddock, the English media explains that certain teams are “ shocked and surprised » by this decision, in particular by the timing.
Niels Wittich is thus the latest to join the departure list since the arrival of Mohammed Ben Sulayem as president at the end of 2021. Over the last 12 months, the FIA, in addition to its race director, has lost its sporting director Steve Nielsen , its head of the women's commission Deborah Mayer or its technical director Tim Goss. Undoubtedly proof of the climate of mistrust that reigns internally. A few days after being challenged by the pilots, MBS would undoubtedly have done without a new episode which could affect his image a little more.
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