The International Automobile Federation (FIA) confirmed Niels Wittich's resignation from his position as Formula 1 Race Director in search of new opportunities. The FIA thanked Wittich for his professionalism and dedication in performing his responsibilities and wished him success in the future. Rui Marques was appointed as his replacement, bringing extensive experience to the role.
Wittich's departure represents another change in the FIA structure, which has seen several senior executives leave in the past year. Wittich had taken over as Race Director before the 2022 season, initially sharing the role with Eduardo Freitas, before becoming the sole person responsible. His management included moments such as the attempted implementation of an FIA initiative against the use of jewelry by drivers in Miami 2022.
Drivers reacted last week to the sanctions imposed by the FIA, leading to criticism of President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The appointment of Marques as Race Director could be decisive for the end of the season, especially if Max Verstappen manages to surpass Lando Norris in Las Vegas on November 23 and secures the drivers' championship.
The role of the Race Director focuses on safety and addressing potential concerns of drivers, although in the past it has been subject to controversy, such as what happened in the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. On that occasion, the management of the last lap by then-director Michael Masi generated controversy by allowing Verstappen to overtake Hamilton and become world champion, triggering protests from the Mercedes team.
Despite the scrutiny over F1 race management this season, attention has primarily been focused on the interpretation of the rules regarding overtaking and penalties for aggressive driving, in the context of the on-track battle between Verstappen and Norris.
