P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The build-up to the Qatar Grand Prix saw two key exits from the FIA, the latest departures from the organisation.
Leading F1 steward Tim Mayer, who recently resigned from the FIA, has raised concerns regarding the departure of deputy Formula 2 race director Janette Tan. Both Mayer and Tan’s exits were confirmed prior to the Qatar Grand Prix. Mayer alleges he was dismissed from his role via a text message from an associate of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. These changes occurred following Niels Wittich’s abrupt resignation from the F1 race director position before the Las Vegas event. With Tan’s withdrawal, Rui Marquez has been appointed as the F1 race director for the Qatar race weekend, marking a singular figure overseeing both F1 and F2 events, a role not seen since Charlie Whiting’s passing in 2019. Mayer expressed concerns over the dwindling pool of ‘platinum-level’ FIA race directors and the mounting pressure on individuals like Marquez as they take on multiple responsibilities.
