FIA’s new F1 race director already under pressure

The FIA changes its face a few races before the end of the season. Rui Marques has been appointed race director, succeeding Niels Wittich, whose sudden departure surprised the paddock. Wittich, in office since 2022 after sharing his duties with Eduardo Freitas, had been appointed full-time chief race director at the end of the 2022 season. The FIA then reproached Freitas for his controversial management of dangerous conditions during the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, where a recovery vehicle was allowed on the track in extremely limited visibility conditions.

Wittich leaves his position as race director

However, the FIA issued a statement last week announcing Wittich’s immediate departure. The FIA confirms that Niels Wittich has left his position as Formula 1 race director to pursue new opportunities. Niels fulfilled his many responsibilities with professionalism and dedication. We thank him for his commitment and wish him the best for the future. A surprising choice considering that there are only three races left this season. Very quickly, the main person involved reacted to this statement. The former DTM championship director explains that he never wanted to leave his position but was simply fired. His recent decisions and somewhat conflictual relationship with Mohamed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, undoubtedly played a role in this decision. To succeed him, they have called upon Rui Marques.

Immediate challenges for Rui Marques

Portuguese like Freitas, Marques possesses solid experience in other categories. He has notably worked for the Portuguese Automobile and Karting Federation and has also been a deputy race director for the World Touring Car Cup. Last week, he officiated at the Macao Grand Prix, one of the most iconic races on the calendar. His extensive experience convinced the federation to offer him this position. Rui Marques will assume the role of race director starting from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Rui brings vast experience, having previously held positions such as track marshal, scrutineer, national and international race steward, deputy race director, and race director in various championships. More recently, he held the position of race director for Formula 2 and Formula 3, as stated in the continuation of the press release.

The Portuguese driver also commented on his nomination. Aware of the challenge that lies ahead, with a run of three consecutive races to end the season, he is counting on his experience gained in Macau to fulfill his duties in the best possible way. « It’s not a question of surprise. Things evolve, and the experience we gain opens up these possibilities. I believe that we are all making progress thanks to the categories we join and the experience we accumulate. Macau is part of this experience. We use the experience gained in Macau for urban races and circuits of this kind. » As for his future and the prospect of still being there in 2025, Rui Marques remained vague. « For now, I will fulfill my duties until the end of the year. Then, we will see. »

Pressure to manage

Some pressure nevertheless surrounds the Portuguese, his predecessors having been strongly criticized by the drivers and teams like Michael Masi during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and his controversial decision or more recently Niels Wittich and his lack of clarity in the battles between Verstappen and Norris. Challenges very different from what he has experienced before. However, he will have to be ready to face them as early as this weekend in Las Vegas.