Sport prediction Wittich`s dismissal was influenced by friction with the FIA president, F1 teams are shocked and surprised (Craig Slater)
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The reasons for the FIA`s break with Wittich became known. The FIA has announced that Nils Wittich has left his post as Formula 1 racing director to pursue other activities.
According to Wittich himself, he did not resign, but learned about the decision shortly before the FIA press release.
Sky Sports journalist Craig Slater shared the details:
Senior sources have told me that he was effectively sacked, that it was not a voluntary departure, with three races remaining in the season. Of course, this contradicts what the FIA wrote in the statement.
I also learned, and this was explained to me by several sources, that relations between Wittich and FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem were somewhat tense, and this contributed to today`s decision.
Wittich is just one of a number of important figures who have left the FIA over the past couple of years.
As for how the news was received in F1, the teams I spoke to were somewhat shocked and surprised. They believe that changing horses at such a moment, three races before the end of the season, is an unusual choice.
Rui Marques comes in, who was a Formula 2 race director but has no F1 experience. There is a huge difference between working in F2 and F1, where every decision is carefully considered.
Wittich`s solutions were also carefully considered. You can look back at Interlagos and what happened there, and even at events before it. In heavy rain conditions at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, there were times when the red flags probably should have been activated earlier.
I talked to some people who believed that Wittich may not have made some critical decisions. Was his relationship with the stewards a little tense? Did this show up in Austin with the controversy surrounding the fight and especially the defense of Max Verstappen?
This is a difficult job. It`s been that way since the wonderful Charlie Whiting died before the 2019 season. People remember the infamous Abu Dhabi race that cost Michael Masi his job as race director, and now that seat has proven too hot for Wittich.
Wittich leaves his post as F1 racing director
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