Sky presenter has possible explanation for Wittich's departure
F1 News
- Cas van de Kleut
Niels Wittich is no longer Formula 1's Race Director. The FIA reported that the German has resigned, but the now former Race Director told Motorsport-Magazin that he did not resign himself. Sky Sports presenter Craig Slater says a disagreement between Mohammed Ben Sulayem may have preceded Wittich's departure.
Wittich had been the Race Director since 2022, following the departure of Michael Masi. In the first season, he shared his duties with Eduardo Freitas, before continuing alone in this role after 2023.
There has been ambiguity since Wittich's statements after it was announced that he would leave as Race Director as to what exactly happened. Slater states that he has spoken with several people within the competition. "Having consulted with senior figures at teams and other leadership figures within the sport, they are by and large shocked and surprised that this is happening now with three races to go in what is still a live championship. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris are still battling for that championship. It could be decided in Las Vegas, but the referee is leaving."
'Wittich may have had a disagreement with Ben Sulayem'
Slater went on to say that multiple sources reported back to him saying that Wittich would indeed have been sacked, contrary to what the FIA have published. The British presenter therefore went on to say, "I have to say, that is not what the FIA are saying in the statement, but that's what I am being told. And I cannot ascertain a specific reason why he is leaving, whether he's chosen to go because he's wanting to do something else. It has been, again, explained to me that some figures within the sport think this could be down to a difference of opinion between Niels Wittich and the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. I stress that that is not the FIA position, but that's what individuals are telling me. So a new race director coming in at very short notice indeed."
This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sarkozi
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