F1 race director claims he was ‘fired’ – just hours after FIA state he ‘stepped down’

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Former F1 race director Niels Wittich has reportedly claimed he did “not resign” – a matter of hours after the FIA announced his departure from his role. The FIA, F1’s governing body, said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon that 52-year-old Wittich had “stepped down” from his position to “pursue new opportunities.” Current F3 and F2 race director Rui Marques will take over from the next race in Las Vegas. On Tuesday, the FIA statement in full read: “The FIA can confirm that Niels Wittich has stepped down from his position as F1 Race Director to pursue new opportunities. open image in gallery Wittich has been the only sole F1 race director since Michael Masi’s infamous exit after the 2021 season “Niels has fulfilled his numerous responsibilities as Race Director with professionalism and dedication.