Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich exposes FIA after sudden ouster amid championship battle

In a surprising move that could impact the outcome of this year’s Formula 1 championship, race director Niels Wittich has been replaced just three races before the season's end. With the title still undecided, Wittich’s sudden departure raises questions, particularly as he insists he did not resign, despite the FIA’s official statement saying otherwise.

The FIA, Formula 1's governing body, announced that Wittich had "stepped down" and would be succeeded by Rui Marques, who has previously served as race director in Formula 2 and Formula 3. Marques is set to assume the role at the Las Vegas Grand Prix next week, where the drivers' title could be decided if Max Verstappen finishes ahead of Lando Norris, his closest rival.

Adding intrigue, German publication motorsport-magazin.com published Wittich's response to the FIA’s announcement, quoting him as saying, “I did not resign.” This statement casts doubt on the circumstances of his exit, with the FIA yet to clarify the situation or respond to Wittich’s claim. Despite the apparent discrepancy, the FIA expressed gratitude for Wittich’s "professionalism and dedication," thanking him for his service and wishing him well in future endeavours.

FIA continues to face controversies!

The abrupt change of race directors adds to a year marked by controversies within the FIA. Earlier in the season, drivers voiced concerns over the governing body’s decision-making, with particular criticism directed at FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Tensions escalated after recent penalties were handed down to top drivers for inappropriate language, further fueling discontent in the paddock.

Marques, who will now steer the race-directing responsibilities, brings significant experience to the position. The FIA emphasized his background, calling it a valuable asset as he steps into a role that often entails balancing race safety with swift decision-making. Marques’ debut as F1 race director, however, will come with intense pressure, especially given the high stakes in Las Vegas, where the drivers' championship could be decided.

This shake-up in race control mirrors another infamous controversy in 2021 when then-race director Michael Masi allowed racing to resume on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. That decision led to Verstappen’s dramatic victory over Lewis Hamilton for the championship and sparked widespread debate over the role and independence of the race director.

Masi’s choices under pressure from teams, along with other internal challenges, eventually led the FIA to restructure communication between teams and race control, limiting direct interactions. Wittich, who succeeded Masi after the 2021 season, had his share of controversies as well.

In 2022, he attempted to enforce an FIA mandate restricting drivers from wearing jewellery while racing, sparking defiance from Lewis Hamilton, who famously attended the Miami Grand Prix wearing an assortment of jewellery in protest. Although Wittich’s tenure was marked by fewer controversies, his departure under such mysterious circumstances raises questions about consistency in F1 race governance.