Max Verstappen perplexed by FIA’s ‘weird’ F1 race director axe with three events remaining
The recent sacking of Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich by the FIA has not sat well with the reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
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Max Verstappen and FIA logo (via IMAGO)
The 2024 Formula 1 season has been full of massive controversies. Amidst all the never-ending chaos, FIA sacked race director Niels Wittich out of the blue following the wet and crash-ridden Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
The reigning world champion Max Verstappen was recently asked in Las Vegas to share his views on the same, and he showcased total surprise. As per the Dutchman, the timing of the Formula 1 race director’s axe with three races remaining this year is quite perplexing.
I read the news and just continued with my day. 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.
Max Verstappen via Racingnews365
FIA has replaced Wittich with Rui Marques who has a decent amount of experience when it comes to looking after racing events. Marques has previously acted as race director in junior categories like Formula 3 and Formula 2.
Max Verstappen emphasizes just ‘dealing with’ the FIA’ decision
While Max Verstappen is not thrilled with the sudden change of race director, he has insisted on just getting on with things. He has his doubts regarding the move but is willing to stick to focusing on his business on the racing track.
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. They have decided it, and we have to deal with it.
Max Verstappen via the same interview
The F1 carnival is currently in Las Vegas for the second edition of the sparkling event. Last year’s race at the circuit proved extremely chaotic and if that proves to be the case again, the new race director could come under the firing line if certain controversial decisions are made.
Verstappen is coming into the event on the back of a sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix win. Considering this, he will get aggressive on the track in Las Vegas if the situation demands in the main race.
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Rishabh Negi
(3244 Articles Published)