F1 race director contradicts FIA: 'I did not resign'

Niels Wittich has startlingly contradicted the FIA within hours of motorsport's governing body stating he had resigned from his post as F1 race director.

The FIA said that Wittich was moving on "to pursue new goals", and with immediate effect, he would be replaced by Rui Marques, who is stepping up from his role as race director of F2 and F3.

The FIA noted that Wittich, who stepped into the role following the axing of Michael Masi after the controversial ending to the 2021 campaign, had "fulfilled his responsibilities as race director with great professionalism and dedication".

The organisation naturally thanked him for his commitment and wished him all the best for the future.

It seems, however, Wittich has not departed on good terms. Contacted by Motorsport-Magazin, Wittich succinctly said: "I have not resigned." The publication reports that Wittich was told just before the announcement that he was being fired.

What is known is that the FIA has moved swiftly as staff were not informed of the impending initial statement until shortly before its release.

The move is certainly contentious as there are just three grands prix remaining - in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi - with the latter bringing the curtain down on the campaign in less than four weeks' time on December 8.

There have been suggestions of friction between Wittich and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and that the former was due to leave at the end of the season anyway.

 If Wittich was fired, it seems the FIA decided to give him a push before he jumped.