F1 race director Wittich steps down with immediate effect

The FIA has announced Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich has left his role with immediate effect.

On Tuesday the FIA said in a statement that the German had left his position ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix to “pursue new opportunities”.

“The FIA can confirm that Niels Wittich has stepped down from his position as F1 Race Director to pursue new opportunities,” the statement said.

“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.”

Portugal’s Rui Marques, who has acted as F2’s and F3’s race director for the past two years, will take over from Wittich from Las Vegas onwards.

“Rui Marques will assume the role of Race Director from the Las Vegas Grand Prix,” the FIA stated.

“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.”

Among other roles, Wittich has been F1’s race director since 2022, replacing Michael Masi after the controversial finish to 2021’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Wittich initially shared the role with FIA WEC race director Eduardo Freitas, before taking over the role full-time later that year.

Previously, the 52-year-old German was a race director in the German DTM championship.