F1 champion provides explanation for shock race director exit
1997 F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has suggested Niels Wittich’s
abrupt exit was a direct result of the Brazilian Grand Prix. The
FIA confirmed earlier this week that Wittich would no longer hold
the role of race director going forward, stating he had left to
pursue new opportunities. However, Wittich asserted he did not step
down from his position and was instead ousted from his role.
Villeneuve has suggested some of the decision-making at the Sao
Paulo weekend, which was held in treacherous conditions, is behind
the situation. Race control came under fire from Red Bull during
qualifying as it questioned the delay in throwing a red flag in
qualifying after a crash for Lance Stroll, ensuring Max
Verstappen’s early exit from the session. “Neils Wittich quitting
is surprising with three races to go,” Villeneuve told Grosvenor
Sport . “That is big news. I would want to know why. Maybe a lot
of people were not happy with the Brazil calls. “We don’t know if
there are some personal issues as well that have nothing to do with
racing so let’s not read into it too soon. “It is surprising
though to have a change like this with three races to go. He was a
fixture, and quite strict and direct. Something has happened we are
not privy to.” The FIA has confirmed that Rui Marques will take
over race director duties for the final three races of the season.
Marques’ most recent experience is the role as race director in the
Formula 2 and Formula 3 categories.
abrupt exit was a direct result of the Brazilian Grand Prix. The
FIA confirmed earlier this week that Wittich would no longer hold
the role of race director going forward, stating he had left to
pursue new opportunities. However, Wittich asserted he did not step
down from his position and was instead ousted from his role.
Villeneuve has suggested some of the decision-making at the Sao
Paulo weekend, which was held in treacherous conditions, is behind
the situation. Race control came under fire from Red Bull during
qualifying as it questioned the delay in throwing a red flag in
qualifying after a crash for Lance Stroll, ensuring Max
Verstappen’s early exit from the session. “Neils Wittich quitting
is surprising with three races to go,” Villeneuve told Grosvenor
Sport . “That is big news. I would want to know why. Maybe a lot
of people were not happy with the Brazil calls. “We don’t know if
there are some personal issues as well that have nothing to do with
racing so let’s not read into it too soon. “It is surprising
though to have a change like this with three races to go. He was a
fixture, and quite strict and direct. Something has happened we are
not privy to.” The FIA has confirmed that Rui Marques will take
over race director duties for the final three races of the season.
Marques’ most recent experience is the role as race director in the
Formula 2 and Formula 3 categories.
Fergal Walsh
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