Former F1 race director Niels Wittich has allegedly claimed he did “not resign” following the confirmation of his FIA exit.
The 52-year old’s departure has raised questions about the stability of leadership in Formula 1, which has already seen significant changes in its officiating structure in recent years.
The FIA’s official statement described F1 race director Niels Wittich’s resignation as a decision to “pursue new opportunities” as they confirmed current F3 and F2 race director Rui Marques will take over starting from Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The German took on the role of race director in 2022, following the controversial exit of Michael Masi after the infamous 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which concluded with a contentious finish that sparked widespread debate and criticism.
Initially sharing duties with Eduardo Freitas, Wittich became the sole race director later that same year. His departure marks a pivotal moment in F1 history, as he is now the fourth individual to occupy this critical position since Charlie Whiting’s passing in 2019.
However, reports have emerged suggesting that former F1 race director Niels Wittich did not resign voluntarily. According to German publication Motorsport-Magazin, he claimed he had been informed of his dismissal just hours before the FIA’s public announcement.
The publication quoted Wittich saying: “I have not resigned.”
This contradiction raises concerns about internal dynamics within the FIA and suggests potential friction between Wittich and President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The circumstances surrounding his FIA exit have led to speculation about whether he was pushed out rather than choosing to leave on his own accord.
Wittich’s tenure was marked by several high-pressure situations, including managing races under challenging weather conditions and navigating complex regulatory environments. His leadership was particularly scrutinized during recent events, such as the Brazilian Grand Prix, where inclement weather forced significant changes to race schedules.
Despite these challenges, former F1 race director Niels Wittich was generally regarded as capable and professional in executing his duties.
