Niels Wittich has stepped down from his position as Formula 1 race director with immediate effect.

The FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, announced on Tuesday that Wittich was leaving to “pursue new opportunities.”

This is an unusual mid-season change, especially given that only three races remain in the 2024 season, with both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships still undecided.

Wittich, who replaced Michael Masiin 2022 following the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, will be succeeded by Rui Marques, the current race director for Formula 2 and Formula 3, beginning with the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.

An FIA spokesperson said, “Niels has fulfilled his numerous responsibilities as race director with professionalism and dedication.

“We thank him for his commitment and we wish him the best for the future.”

However, reports suggest a different story may lie beneath the official announcement.

Wittich told Germany’s motorsport-magazin.com, “I have not resigned,” while journalist Christian Menath reported on X that Wittich claimed he was fired.

In response, the FIA has provided no further details beyond its statement.

Adding to the complex backdrop of Wittich’s exit is a recent controversy around the FIA’s racing guidelines.

A dispute emerged during the US Grand Prix between title contenders Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, after which the FIA committed to revising the guidelines in consultation with drivers.

Niels Wittich, former Race Director, FIA, talks to Jonathan Wheatley, Team Manager, Red Bull Racing. (Photo by Mark Sutton/Sutton Images)

Further complications arose when the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association issued a public letter requesting the FIA to address drivers more respectfully after penalties were imposed on Verstappen and Charles Leclerc for swearing.

The letter included a call for Ben Sulayem to “mind his tone and language.”