FIA confirms Sudden exit of F1 race director Wittich

The FIA has announced the immediate departure of Formula 1 Race Director Niels Wittich, marking another significant change in the sport's officiating leadership with three races remaining in the 2023 season.

The German official, who has held the position since 2022, is stepping down to "pursue new opportunities," according to the governing body's statement.

Seasoned replacement from junior categories

Taking the reins from the Las Vegas Grand Prix onwards will be Rui Marques, who brings extensive experience from his current role as race director for Formula 2 and Formula 3.

The Portuguese official's appointment draws from a diverse background that includes positions as track marshal, scrutineer, and various directing roles across multiple championships.

Latest in string of high-profile departures

Wittich's exit adds to a growing list of senior FIA officials who have departed their roles over the past year.

His tenure began in the wake of the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which led to Michael Masi's removal.

Initially sharing duties with WEC race director Eduardo Freitas, Wittich later assumed the position full-time.

Growing concerns over officials pipeline

The sudden change highlights a broader challenge facing Formula 1's governing body.

FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem recently acknowledged the organization's struggle to find qualified race directors, emphasizing that such officials "cannot be ordered on Amazon or Google."

"We have an issue and the issue is that we don't have enough race directors,"

Ben Sulayem stated earlier this year.

"You have to make them, you have to train them."

This recognition has led to the creation of a new Officials Department aimed at developing the next generation of race directors and stewards.

Recent controversies

The timing of Wittich's departure follows recent tensions between the FIA and the racing community.

Most notably, Ben Sulayem's call for a crackdown on driver profanity led to penalties for Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc in Singapore, prompting pushback from the Grand Prix Drivers' Association through a strongly worded statement.

Looking ahead, the FIA has confirmed that Jannette Tan will step up to fill Marques' previous role as F2 race director through the end of the season, ensuring continuity in the junior categories while Formula 1 adapts to its latest leadership change.