F1 race director Wittich departs with immediate effect

The governing FIA announced on Tuesday that Formula One race director Niels Wittich has resigned effective immediately, with Rui Marques set to assume the position starting at next week’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The FIA announced that Wittich, a German who has held the position since 2022 following the removal of Australian Michael Masi, has departed “to pursue new opportunities”.

“Niels has carried out his many duties as race director with a high level of professionalism and commitment,” it stated.

“We express our gratitude for his dedication and extend our best wishes for his future endeavors.”

Marques, hailing from Portugal, has previously held the roles of international steward and race director for the Formula Two and Formula Three championships.

There are three rounds left in the Formula One championship, and both titles remain up for grabs. Max Verstappen of Red Bull is poised to secure his fourth consecutive drivers’ championship in Las Vegas.