Niels Wittich, the race director who took on a challenging role following the controversies of the final round of the 2021 Formula 1 championship, has been dismissed from his position by the FIA. The news, which was made official in recent days, has sparked discussions within the motorsport world and reignited debates over on-track officiating decisions. While the Federation has referred to it as a “resignation,” rumors suggest that Niels Wittich was effectively fired. The official reasons for the decision have not yet been disclosed, but sources indicate that the dismissal stemmed from disagreements with the FIA over the interpretation and application of the sporting regulations. The news has prompted reactions within the Formula 1 community, while the FIA confirmed that Rui Marques, currently involved in Formula 2 and Formula 3, will take over as race director for the final three races of the 2024 F1 season.
Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 World Champion with Williams, offered his thoughts on the matter: “Niels Wittich’s departure with just three races to go is really surprising. It’s big news, and I wonder what the reason behind this decision is. Perhaps many people weren’t happy with the decisions made in Brazil. We can’t rule out personal reasons, maybe unrelated to racing, so it’s best not to jump to conclusions. However, it’s unusual to see such a change so close to the end of the season. Wittich was a consistent figure, with a strict and direct approach. Clearly, there’s something we still don’t know.”
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