Abrupt Exit of F1 Race Director Raises Questions
At the start of this month, Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, expressed his unease over the sudden resignations of Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich before races. On August 21, Reims was the eleventh round of last year’s championship but the third round of this year’s closely fought constructors’ title fight between McLaren and Ferrari and, possibly, Verstappen’s third season with four drivers’ titles in sight so Vasseur finds the timing of Wittich’s removal odd. The decision raises the stakes for new appointee Rui Marques as F1 heads to challenging circuits like Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Other voices in the industry also chimed in with Vasseur, who expressed surprise at the FIA’s actions and decisions. Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, urged for more stability when it comes to leadership after acknowledging past incidents. At the same time, Alpine’s Oliver Oakes said that Marques has the experience in junior categories and he will be able to adapt.
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Mixed Reactions to FIA’s Move
The FIA claimed that Wittich resigned, although rumors indicate he was fired. Wittich has denied that he resigned, which has generated controversy. Sky Sports presenter Martin Brundle described the situation as ‘hard to justify and having an undesirable timing’.
The changes of guard are set as teams get ready for some of the most daunting logistic and technical challenges before the season. Some sought to explain what the FIA was doing while others explained how it disrupts a fighting championship season. Marques’ will be on the line as he takes up one of the most demanding roles in Motorsport.
