"Drivers were surprised by Niels Wittich's departure", reveals Russell
Mercedes driver George Russell, who serves as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers Associatio, has revealed that drivers were unaware that Niels Wittich would be replaces by a new race director from the Las Vegas Grand Prix onwards.
Ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Formula One's governing body, the FIA announced that Race Director Niels Wittich would 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.
After the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the sport's governing body confirmed that the German would step down from his role with immediate effect and would be replaced by Rui Marques from the 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.
Mercedes driver George Russell, who serves as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, has revealed that drivers were unaware the change in leadership was coming.
"We were not aware, so it came as a bit of a surprise to us. It would have been nice to have been kept in the loop. At the end of the day we just want to be transparent with the FIA, and the news was a prime example of not being part of these conversations.
"We just want to work with the FIA to make the best for the sport we all love. We want to maximise this opportunity F1 is in at the moment. It is amazing to be part of.
"I think if you worked together with us, that we could have helped improve the matter. Let's see what this new era is going to bring, but every time there is a change, you have to take one step back before you make the two steps forwards."
"I think times are changing and the fans are a huge part of this sport. I think if we're talking about openness and transparency and including everybody in this for the greater good, then having it on a social media platform makes perfect sense," Russell concluded.
