Jan.12 (GMM) Former Method 1 race director Niels Wittich says he was dismissed by the FIA with out rationalization, describing his sudden removing as “the disappointing fact” of how senior officers are handled below the governing physique’s management.
Chatting with DPA information company, Wittich recounted being summoned to Geneva throughout a race-free window late within the 2024 season, anticipating a routine coordination assembly. As an alternative, the German official says he left Switzerland with out his job.
“That’s nothing uncommon in itself – it had occurred earlier than that we consulted or coordinated with colleagues on web site,” Wittich mentioned. “However with out something having occurred between the FIA and me, at the least in accordance with my recollection, I misplaced my job on the finish of the assembly.”
Wittich insists he didn’t resign, contradicting the FIA’s assertion on the time that he had stepped all the way down to pursue “new alternatives”.
“I repeatedly requested through the dialog what the rationale for this step was,” he mentioned. “To this present day, I’ve not acquired a solution. I merely don’t know the rationale.”
The FIA had praised Wittich’s “professionalism and dedication” in its announcement, however in accordance with him, he was one in every of a number of officers pressured out throughout a wider inside clear-out below persevering with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“It does certainly go away a nasty style within the mouth that so many individuals needed to go away,” Wittich mentioned, naming long-time chief steward Tim Mayer and deputy Method 2 race director Janette Tan amongst these affected. “This included not solely freelancers, but in addition many who have been dismissed from everlasting positions with out rationalization.”
Wittich grew to become sole F1 race director in 2023 following the departure of Michael Masi and the tip of a shared association with Eduardo Freitas. His tenure included controversy, notably round enforcement of jewelry guidelines.
“The FIA’s method was that there’s a legitimate algorithm that ought to be enforced. And I made certain that the principles have been adopted,” Wittich mentioned. “Method 1 stars are additionally position fashions – the subsequent technology seems as much as them.”
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has beforehand described Wittich’s dismissal as an “absolute misjudgement”, speculating that political strain might have performed a job.
Now race director of the GT World Problem and a TV skilled for Sky, Wittich continued: “Clearly, none of us have been valued, and clearly different points had a better precedence than particular person efficiency.
“That’s the disappointing fact I used to be instantly confronted with. I don’t count on to get a solution even in 100 years,” Wittich added. “It was a great time, but it surely has come to an finish.”
