P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Niels Wittich has been carrying out race director duties within F1 for a handful of years – however a new figure is now in place.
The FIA announced that Niels Wittich has stepped down as the F1 race director, with Rui Marques taking over the role. Wittich had been serving as race director on a rotational basis with Eduardo Freitas before taking over full-time in the final third of the 2022 season. Marques, who previously worked as the race director in Formula 2 and Formula 3, has now assumed the position for the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix. The FIA thanked Wittich for his professionalism and dedication in the role, while expressing confidence in Marques’ extensive experience in various racing championships. The race director plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the weekend sessions and addressing drivers’ on-track concerns, with the position previously held by Charlie Whiting for over two decades before Masi and Wittich took over.
