In a surprise announcement, the FIA has confirmed that Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich has left his role with immediate effect to “pursue new opportunities”. The news arrives on the eve of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, one of the last stages of a season already full of twists and turns.
Thanks to Wittich’s professionalism
In an official statement, the FIA expressed its gratitude for Wittich’s contribution to Formula 1. “Niels has fulfilled his many responsibilities as Race Director with great professionalism and dedication,” read the FIA statement. “We thank him for his commitment and wish him the best for the future.”
Wittich, who took over as F1 race director in 2022, has played a key role in maintaining the safety and integrity of the competition, helping to restore balance following the controversial conclusion of the 2021 championship. Initially, he shared the direction race with Eduardo Freitas, before taking on the role exclusively.
Rui Marques will take on the role of race director
Starting from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Portuguese Rui Marques will take the reins of race direction. Marques, who has worked as a race director in Formula 2 and Formula 3 for the last two years, has a varied experience in motorsport, having held roles such as track commissioner, scrutineer, national and international commissioner and deputy race director.
“Rui Marques will assume the role of Race Director from the Las Vegas Grand Prix,” the FIA said, praising his extensive background in motor racing. The Portuguese will be joined by Jannette Tan, who will replace him in the last F2 races of the season, already carrying out the role of deputy race director.
A season marked by changes and challenges for the FIA
The sudden change in leadership is just the latest in a series of changes at the top of the FIA. Following the passing of the legendary Charlie Whiting in 2019, Formula 1 has already gone through multiple transitions in race direction, with Wittich as the fourth successor to the role.
FIA president Mohamed Ben Sulayem recently acknowledged the difficulties the organization faces in training new race directors and qualified officials. “You can’t just buy race directors from Amazon or Google,” he said. “You need to educate and train them.”
With this premise, Ben Sulayem announced the creation of a new FIA Officials Department, dedicated to training the next generation of race directors and stewards, with the aim of ensuring high standards and high-level technical skills.
Controversies and controversies: The tense climate in F1
This decision comes in a turbulent period for the FIA, which recently ended up at the center of controversy for its position on on-track behaviour. On the eve of the Singapore Grand Prix, Ben Sulayem called for a crackdown on the language used by drivers, with fines handed out to Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc for using inappropriate expressions. The decision provoked a negative reaction from the GPDA drivers’ association, which called on the FIA to re-evaluate the approach.
The future of race direction
With the arrival of Marques, Formula 1 hopes for stable and competent leadership to conclude the season and better face future challenges. The skills and experience gained by Marques in the smaller categories will be crucial to maintaining order on the track, as motorsport continues to evolve and attract a global audience.
The change in race direction represents a new chapter for the FIA and Formula 1, and we just have to wait to see how the dynamics on the track will develop in the final stages of this season.
