Former F1 race director Niels Wittich has reportedly claimed he did “not resign” – a matter of hours after the FIA announced his departure from his role.
The FIA, F1’s governing body, said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon that 52-year-old Wittich had “stepped down” from his position to “pursue new opportunities.” Current F3 and F2 race director Rui Marques will take over from the next race in Las Vegas.
However, German publication Motorsport-Magazin insist Wittich has told them: “I have not resigned.”
The report adds that Wittich was informed of his dismissal just hours before the public confirmation came from the FIA on Tuesday.
The FIA has not responded to The Independent’s approach for comment.
Wittich first served as joint F1 race director – the person in charge of enforcing FIA rules, safety cars and parc ferme regulations – with Eduardo Freitas in 2022, following the exit of Michael Masi after the controversial end to the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi.
The German’s role was particularly in focus at the last race in Brazil, when severe weather conditions forced a reschedule of qualifying and the race on Sunday.
On Tuesday, the FIA statement in full read: “The FIA can confirm that Niels Wittich has stepped down from his position as F1 Race Director to pursue new opportunities.
“Niels has fulfilled his numerous responsibilities as Race Director with professionalism and dedication. We thank him for his commitment and we wish him the best for the future.
“Rui Marques will assume the role of Race Director from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Rui brings a wealth of experience having previously served as track marshal, scrutineer, national and international steward, Deputy Race Director and Race Director in various championships.
“Most recently, he held the position of Formula 2 and Formula 3 Race Director.”
Prior to Masi, Charlie Whiting held the position of F1 race director and was a highly respected figure for two decades from 1997-2019 before his sad passing prior to the 2019 Australian Grand Prix.
