Niels Wittich reveals truth behind FIA dismissal: ‘I have asked multiple times'

18:57, 17 Jul

Updated: 18:58, 17 Jul

byNicole Mulder

Nine months after his sudden departure from the FIA, former race director Niels Wittich has spoken out about his dismissal. The German claims he received no explanation from the governing body and highlights internal friction and poor communication within the organisation.

Wittich still does not know why FIA fired him

Prior to the last three F1 races of the 2024 season, Wittich was informed via a message that his role as race director had come to an end. To this day, he claims he has received no official reason for it. "I have asked multiple times, but it was never clarified," he said on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast by German Sky Sports. "There are all sorts of theories, but for me, it remains unclear."

According to Wittich, the uncertainty began with the death of Charlie Whiting. "After his death, it was difficult to find someone who could fill his role in the same way. Charlie had dedicated his life to this work; that kind of experience is not easily replaced," he explains.

Wittich states that he always acted according to the guidelines he was given, even if that caused internal tensions. "I was expected to be a clear representative of the FIA. I did that, and I think my direct style sometimes clashed with the expectations of my superiors. I am not aware of any major mistakes, but I know that a forthright attitude is not always appreciated everywhere."

Wittich clashed with Ben Sulayem

With the appointment of Mohammed Ben Sulayem as FIA president, the tone within the organisation changed as well, Wittich claims. “New ideas about what was desired and what was not emerged,” he explains. He continued to strictly apply the rules and forcefully represent the interests of the FIA — something that was initially expected of him. “But that sometimes led me to clash internally with my superiors,” he concludes.