F1 racing director Niels Wittich has left his post with immediate effect ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Rui Marques, current racing director of F2 and F3, replaces him.
In a press release, the FIA formalized this Tuesday the departure of Niels Wittich, the F1 race director. The German, who had been in office since 2022, took over from Michael Masi following the very controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
While he initially shared this role with Eduardo Freitas, Niels Wittich then took on the role of F1 race director alone until the recent Brazilian Grand Prix.
“The FIA can confirm that Niels Wittich has left his position as F1 racing director to pursue new opportunities,” the FIA said. “Niels fulfilled his many responsibilities as race director with professionalism and dedication. We thank him for his commitment and wish him the best for the future.”
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Rui Marques promoted from F2/F3 to F1
While there are still three race weekends to go in F1 this season, Rui Marques has been chosen to fill this position of race director from the next Grand Prix, which will be held in Las Vegas from November 22 to 24. .
The Portuguese Rui Marques was until now race director in the junior categories just below F1, namely in Formula 2 and Formula 3.
“Rui Marques will take on the role of race director starting at the Las Vegas Grand Prix,” continues the press release. “Rui brings a wealth of experience having been a track marshal, examiner, national and international marshal, assistant race director and race director in different championships. Most recently, he served as race director in Formula 2 and Formula 3.”
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