F1
Niels Wittich, a departure that raises many questions
© Antonin Vincent / DPPI
New controversy to come within the FIA in this already very tense end of season? This Tuesday, The Federation has announced the departure of its race director Niels Wittich with immediate effect, three Grands Prix from the final whistle.
In its press release, the Federation explains that the German " has left his position as race director of the F1 to pursue new opportunities. Niels has fulfilled his many responsibilities as race director with professionalism and dedication. We thank him for his commitment and wish him the best for the future »
A dispute with Mohammed Ben Sulayem?
But behind the scenes, the story appears more complex than it seems. According to Sky Sports F1 information, Niels Wittich would not have left his post. He had not, moreover, " no intention " to leave. Our English colleagues explain that the now ex-race director of F1 was simply dismissed by the FIA.
Among the reasons, Sky Sports F1 mentions in particular that the German has a difference of opinion with the general staff of the motorsport police force and more particularly with its president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. "[On] learned from multiple sources that the relationship between Wittich and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem was also somewhat conflicted.. » Within the paddock, the English media explains that some teams are " shocked and surprised " by this decision, particularly by the timing.
Niels Wittich is thus the latest to join the departure list since the arrival of Mohammed Ben Sulayem as president at the end of 2021. Over the last 12 months, the FIA, in addition to its race director, has lost its sporting director Steve Nielsen, its head of the women's commission Deborah Mayer and its technical director Tim Goss. This is undoubtedly proof of the climate of mistrust that reigns internally. A few days after being challenged by the drivers, MBS would probably have done well without a new episode that could affect his image a little more.
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Gonzalo Forbes
In charge of promotion formulas (F2, F3, FRECA, F4...). Carried by the grace of Franco Colapinto.
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Michel Vaillant
13/11/2024 at 11:41 a.m.
Oh yes, really... Two reactions, and two references (one of which should perhaps be described as "subtle") to its origins. Strange... Especially since I didn't remember that at the time of Max Mosley, even though he too was a follower of a very centralized power (oh what a beautiful euphemism) I read in readers' letters or on forums that this was attributed to a national atavism...