FIA race director Niels Wittich leaves F1 with immediate effect

Ahead of next weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix, Formula One's governing body, the FIA has announced that Race Director Niels Wittich will leave his role with immediate effect.

After Michael Masi left Formula One at the end of the controversial 2021 F1 season, Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas were appointed to take on the role of F1 race director. The pair initially shared the role in 2022, but Freitas left F1 at the end of that season, which saw Wittich take on the job full-time in 2023.

The FIA has now confirmed that the German will step down from his role with immediate effect and will be replaced by Rui Marques from the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix onwards.

Marques has been long involved in motorsport, taking on a variety of roles, having been a track marshal, scrutineer, national and international steward, Deputy Race Director and Race Director in various championships. He was most recently F2 and F3 Race Director.

FIA's statement 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.”