Niels Wittich has unexpectedly stood down from his role as Formula 1’s race director.
Rui Marques, previously the Formula 2 and Formula 3 race director, will take over his role from the next round of the world championship in Las Vegas.
“The FIA can confirm that Niels Wittich has stepped down from his position as F1 race director to pursue new opportunities,” said the sport’s governing body in a statement.
“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.”
Wittich first served as race director at the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix. He replaced Michael Masi, who was removed from the role after the FIA determined he failed to apply the rules correctly in the previous year’s championship-deciding race.
Throughout 2022 Wittich shared his responsibilities as race director with Eduardo Freitas. Prior to joining F1 Wittich was the race director for Germany’s popular DTM series, while Freitas held the same role in the FIA’s World Endurance Championship.
However from the beginning of 2023 F1 returned to having a single race director, and Wittich occupied the role full-time. His replacement’s first race in charge will be next week.
“Rui Marques will assume the role of race director from the Las Vegas Grand Prix,” the FIA’s statement continued.
“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.”
This article will be updated.
Formula 1
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