Niels Wittich against the FIA
The dismissal from the FIA did not only arrive like a bolt from the blue shortly before the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season, but, according to Niels Wittich, it is still completely without any explanation. This is at least what the former Formula 1 race director claims, having been removed from his role under circumstances that remain unclear to this day.
Niels Wittich, who together with Eduardo Freitas replaced the heavily criticised Michael Masi at the start of the 2022 World Championship, later handed over responsibilities to the current head of race direction, Rui Marques. In an interview with the German news agency DPA, the German sporting official revealed several behind-the-scenes details surrounding his abrupt departure, which the FIA initially presented as a voluntary resignation following the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix.
The truths of the former race director
Wittich explained that he was summoned to Geneva during a weekend with no Formula 1 races scheduled, only to discover during that meeting that he no longer had a role within the Federation.
“In itself, there was nothing unusual about it, because it had happened before that we would consult or coordinate with colleagues at headquarters,” Wittich said. “But without anything having happened between me and the FIA, at least as far as I can remember, by the end of the meeting I had lost my job.”
The former race director went on to describe how he repeatedly asked for clarification. “During the conversation, I asked several times what the reason for this decision was, but to this day I have not received any answer. I simply still do not know the reason.”
According to Niels Wittich, his departure is just one of many exits involving long-serving FIA personnel since Mohammed Ben Sulayem took office. Ben Sulayem was elected FIA president at the end of 2021 and recently confirmed for a second term, although the election remains sub judice pending a ruling from the Paris court.
“What leaves a bitter taste,” added the former Formula 1 race director, “is the fact that so many people have had to leave. And I am not only talking about freelancers, but also many who were dismissed from permanent positions without any explanation.”
The controversy with Lewis Hamilton
During the interview, Wittich also returned to one of the most controversial topics of his time as race director: the ban on drivers wearing earrings, piercings and jewellery in the car, a rule that brought him into direct conflict with Lewis Hamilton.
“The FIA’s approach was that there was a set of rules that had to be applied,” Niels Wittich explained. “And I made sure that they were respected. Formula 1 stars are also role models for younger generations.”
He continued by highlighting the wider context within the governing body. “Clearly, none of us was particularly popular within the Federation, and obviously other issues had priority over individual performances.”
Reflecting on the way his tenure ended, Niels Wittich concluded: “This is the disappointing truth that I suddenly had to face. I do not expect to get an answer even in 100 years. It was a good period, but it has come to an end.”
The mystery surrounding Niels Wittich’s sudden exit highlights a growing trend of friction between the FIA’s top brass and its operational officials. As the sport moves into a new era of governance and technical regulations, the fallout from these high-level departures continues to cast a shadow over the stability of the paddock. Wittich’s account suggests that for those tasked with policing the world’s most elite racing series, the political maneuvers behind the scenes are often far more unpredictable than the action on the circuit itself.
Leave a Reply