P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Former FIA sporting director Nielsen returns to F1 in consultancy role
Steve Nielsen, a highly respected figure without an official full-time title, has been a familiar face in the F1 paddock since the 1980s, starting as a truck driver with MSL catering and later moving on to various teams in managerial positions under Liberty Media’s ownership. His broad responsibilities at F1 included shaping sporting regulations, contributing to race operations, and coordinating with venues during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure a robust calendar. Nielsen transitioned to the FIA with a similar position to oversee sporting matters and race control developments in January 2023, working closely with race director Niels Wittich to enhance operational efficiency. After one season, Nielsen opted out of continuing with the FIA to establish his consultancy business, where he returned to F1 in a part-time capacity while offering services to other clients, including circuits.
