Verstappen questions FIA over 'weird' timing of race director axe

Max Verstappen believes the timing of the FIA's decision to remove Niels Wittich as F1 race director was "weird."

German Wittich was stripped of his position after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, and has been replaced with immediate effect by Rui Marques for the final three rounds of the season - where both the drivers' and constructors' championships will be decided.

Marques has served as race director for F2 and F3, but the sudden and surprise removal of Wittich with no immediately clear reason as to why has raised eyebrows, especially after he confirmed he had been sacked. 

Responding publicly for the first time to the change in race director, Verstappen, who can wrap up a fourth straight title if he finishes ahead of Lando Norris and enjoys at least a 60-point buffer after the race, expressed his surprise at the decision - after describing an initial blunt reaction.

"I read the news and just continued with my day," he told media including RacingNews365.

"Of course, it's a bit weird with three races to do that.

"It doesn't matter if you're positive or negative about certain things. I thought in Brazil there was definitely room for improvement, for example.

"It is still a bit weird to be having to now deal with a different race director, like if you normally want to change a race director, maybe you would do it after the season, and then you have a bit of time for the race director to get up to speed with things. 

"You also have the pre-season testing to get into your role more, but let's see how it goes, they have decided it, and we have to deal with it."