• Niels Wittich leaves role with three Grands Prix left
• Follows string of exits of senior FIA officials in recent months

The Formula One race director, Niels Wittich, has stepped down from his post with immediate effect in an unexpected decision announced by the FIA on Tuesday. He will be replaced by Rui Marques, who was previously the race director for Formula Two and Formula Three.

Wittich’s departure came as a surprise to F1 and is highly unusual in its timing given there are three races of the 2024 season still remaining. The FIA did not give any reason for him leaving but stated: “The FIA can confirm that Niels Wittich has stepped down from his position as F1 Race Director to pursue new opportunities”. Portugal’s Marques will take over from the next round in Las Vegas.