Former race director Niels Wittich has reportedly claimed he did “not resign” – a matter of hours after the introduced his departure from his function.
The FIA, F1’s governing physique, stated in a press release on Tuesday afternoon that 52-year-old Wittich had “stepped down” from his place to “pursue new alternatives.” Present F3 and F2 race director Rui Marques will take over from the subsequent race in .
Nonetheless, German publication insist Wittich has informed them: “I’ve not resigned.”
The report provides that Wittich was knowledgeable of his dismissal simply hours earlier than the general public affirmation got here from the FIA on Tuesday.
The FIA have been approached for remark.
Wittich first served as joint F1 race director – the particular person in command of implementing FIA guidelines, security automobiles and parc ferme rules – with Eduardo Freitas in 2022, following the of Michael Masi after the to the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi.
The German’s function was significantly in focus on the final race in Brazil, when extreme climate circumstances of qualifying and the race on Sunday.
On Tuesday, the FIA assertion in full learn: “The FIA can verify that Niels Wittich has stepped down from his place as F1 Race Director to pursue new alternatives.
“Niels has fulfilled his quite a few tasks as Race Director with professionalism and dedication. We thank him for his dedication and we want him the perfect for the longer term.
“Rui Marques will assume the function of Race Director from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Rui brings a wealth of expertise having beforehand served as observe marshal, scrutineer, nationwide and worldwide steward, Deputy Race Director and Race Director in varied championships.
“Most lately, he held the place of System 2 and System 3 Race Director.”
Previous to Masi, Charlie Whiting held the place of F1 race director and was a extremely revered determine for 20 years from 1997-2019 earlier than his unhappy passing previous to the 2019 Australian Grand Prix.
