Former F1 race director lands new motorsport role after FIA exit

Ex-F1 race director returns with new motorsport role after FIA departurePhoto: Race PicturesF1 News08:01, 09 May3 CommentsTobia EliaTobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.Former F1 race director Wittich has landed a new role in motorsport with Geobrugg Motorsport, almost two years after his departure from the FIA. Following the fallout from the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP and the exit of Michael Masi, the FIA brought Wittich into F1 race control ahead of the 2022 campaign. The German official began working as Race Director at the start of that season, initially rotating the role with Eduardo Freitas, before later taking sole charge of race operations. His spell with the FIA came to an end in November 2024, when the governing body announced his immediate departure just days before the Las Vegas GP. Rui Marques was then appointed as his replacement for the remainder of the season, a role he still holds today.Read alsoFIA announce 2027 engine rule tweaks 'agreed' after latest meetingThe German has joined Geobrugg, a company known for designing and supplying FIA-approved debris fences, catch fencing systems, pit wall protection and safety barriers for circuits and test tracks, taking on the role of project manager and international sales for motorsport.The company welcomed the former FIA race director with an official statement: “Many will know Niels from his role as Formula 1 Race Director, where precision and composure are essential, and has proven himself as a leader who remains calm under immense pressure. With more than 20 years in elite motorsport, Niels brings deep experience across the industry. His career spans roles in leadership positions across Formula E, DTM, F3, and F2, culminating in his work overseeing global operations in Formula 1. ADVERTISEMENT “Beyond his work in Race Directing, Niels’ previous involvement with the FIA Circuits Commission involved enhancing track safety, making him a natural fit for Geobrugg’s ethos. We look forward to seeing Niels on the track again!”Photo: Race PicturesWittich criticizes the FIA for making 'scapegoat' Masi for Abu Dhabi decisionWittich has recently defended Masi over the controversial ending to the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, arguing the former FIA race director was unfairly turned into a scapegoat after the title-deciding finale between Verstappen and Hamilton. He explained that the regulations at the time left room for interpretation regarding safety car procedures, insisting Masi acted within the authority granted to him by the rules.According to Wittich, every possible decision in Abu Dhabi would inevitably have disadvantaged one of the title contenders, while a red flag was never considered a realistic option given there was no danger to marshals or blockage of the circuit. Wittich also pointed to the handling of the lapped cars, noting that although the procedure differed from the standard approach by not waiting an additional lap after unlapping, the regulations still allowed the race director a degree of discretion. In his view, the