Niels Wittich’s exit as FIA Race Director wasn’t as voluntary as it seemed, sparking intense speculation.
- Sky F1 alleges Wittich was dismissed, contradicting FIA’s official statement of his resignation.
- Reports suggest tension between Wittich and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem influenced his departure.
- The abrupt timing of Wittich’s exit, with only three races left, shocked Formula 1 teams.
- Wittich’s handling of recent races, such as the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, raised questions about his decision-making.
Niels Wittich’s sudden exit from his role as FIA Race Director has left the Formula 1 world buzzing. While the FIA announced that Wittich stepped down to pursue new opportunities, Sky F1’s Craig Slater provides a different narrative. Slater claims that Wittich was actually sacked and did not leave of his own accord. This stands in stark contrast to the FIA’s official line, suggesting deeper issues beneath the surface.
Tension between Wittich and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is reportedly at the heart of the matter. Sources indicate that their relationship was strained, which may have played a crucial role in Wittich’s departure. Wittich, who began sharing the role with Eduardo Freitas before taking it on in full in 2023, had already faced scrutiny over his decisions in challenging race conditions.
The timing of Wittich’s exit, just three races before the end of the 2024 championship, took many by surprise. Formula 1 teams found the decision to change leadership at this point ‘unusual,’ and it led to speculation about the reasons behind such a critical change. Slater points to Wittich’s judgment during the rain-soaked Sao Paulo Grand Prix at the Interlagos circuit as a possible catalyst for his dismissal. In that race, there were calls for the red flag to be deployed earlier, raising questions about Wittich’s decision-making.
Further fueling the discussion are the stewards’ decisions in recent races, such as the United States and Mexican Grands Prix, which impacted the title fight between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. These incidents have raised concerns about whether Wittich’s relationship with the race stewards was problematic. Slater highlighted controversial moments, particularly at Austin, involving Verstappen’s defensive racing style, which may have exacerbated tensions.
Adding to the saga, Wittich told Motorsport-Magazin that he did not resign, confirming claims of his dismissal. Just before the public announcement of his departure, Wittich reportedly learned about the decision, indicating a lack of communication with FIA authorities. The FIA has since appointed Rui Marques as the new Race Director, who brings extensive experience from previous roles in various championships.
The contentious departure of Niels Wittich as FIA Race Director adds another twist to the complex dynamics within Formula 1.
