The FIA has announced that Niels Wittich has departed his position as Formula 1‘s Race Director with immediate effect prior to next weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Rui Marques, who has served as the Race Director in both the Formula 2 and Formula 3 categories, will replace Wittich with three races remaining in the 2024 season.
“The FIA can confirm that Niels Wittich has stepped down from his position as F1 race director to pursue new opportunities,” the FIA‘s statement read.
“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.
“Rui Marques will assume the role of race director from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Rui brings a wealth of experience having previously served as track marshal, scrutineer, national and international steward, deputy race director and race director in various championships. Most recently, he held the position of Formula 2 and Formula 3 race director.”
The FIA appointed Wittich alongside Eduardo Freitas before the 2022 campaign amid Michael Masi’s exit after the controversial end to the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi.
However, Freitas’ role in a recovery vehicle being situated on the track as the drivers continued to lap at a wet Japanese Grand Prix contributed to him being sidelined.
Wittich had continued to serve as the series’ independent Race Director since that event in October 2022, but he has elected to step down prior to this season ending.
Marques will take over his duties once the F1 campaign resumes in Las Vegas next weekend, where Max Verstappen can wrap up his fourth consecutive Drivers’ title.
