Why senior figures within F1 teams are ‘shocked and surprised’ by Niels Wittich departure

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Ahead of the final three races of the 2024 Formula 1 season, one of the key figures behind the scenes at the FIA has left his post.

Niels Wittich was the F1 race director, a role that hasn’t been short of controversy in the past.

His predecessor Michael Masi left his position after the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix when the rules weren’t followed exactly how they should have been during the decisive final safety car that led to Max Verstappen beating Lewis Hamilton to the title.

Wittich shared the role of race director with Eduardo Freitas from the beginning of the 2022 campaign, before taking on the position on his own last year.

However, with just three races left this year, Wittich has departed from the FIA with immediate effect.

A press release stated that, “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.”

However, journalist Craig Slater was speaking on Sky Sports News about shared what he had heard from senior sources within the sport and the teams on the grid.

Christian Menath tweeted after the announcement that he had heard Wittich was in fact fired from the job, rather than the mutual parting of ways that the FIA suggested.

It has created a murky situation that needs to be resolved before the next race in Las Vegas.

Why F1 teams were ‘shocked and surprised’ by Niels Wittich leaving as F1 race director

Talking about the situation, Slater said: “I’ve been going around the highest level sources I can to see how much of a surprise this departure is to see if anyone can tell me why it has come about.

“And I can tell you having consulted with senior figures at teams and other leadership figures within the sport, they are by and large shocked and surprised that this is happening now with three races to go in what is still a live championship.

“Max Verstappen and Lando Norris are still battling for that championship.

READ MORE: F1 drivers complained about 26-year-old to race director after 2023 Abu Dhabi practice

“It could be decided in Las Vegas, but the referee is leaving. Now, the official announcement to this from the FIA says that he has stepped down, multiple sources have told me that he has been sacked and that he has been removed from this position.

“I have to say, that’s not what the FIA are saying in the statement, but that’s what I’ve been told and I cannot ascertain a specific reason why he is leaving, whether he’s chosen to go because he’s wanting to do something else.

“It has been explained to me that some figures within the sport think this could be down to a difference of opinion between Niels Wittich and the FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.”

Who has replaced Niels Wittich as F1 Race Director for the Las Vegas Grand Prix

There have been plenty of controversial moments this season with racing closer than ever at the front of the pack.

Verstappen and Norris have tangled at times, with the Dutchman hit with two penalties in Mexico City following some very assertive driving.

Wittich has been replaced by Rui Marques until the end of the season, and he’s entering a very pressurised situation.

READ MORE: Who is Rui Marques? FIA confirms new F1 race director replacing Niels Wittich

The Las Vegas Grand Prix was a thrilling event last year, but not short of controversy.

The first practice session was delayed for hours after Carlos Sainz’s car sucked a drain cover up from the track and all the others on the track had to be checked.

Marques – who was previously race director in F2 and F3 – will be glad that the title race is almost over and he doesn’t have to make a difficult call in a very high-pressure situation.

However, question marks will remain as to why Wittich left his post until more clarity is provided.