Niels Wittich then took on the role in conjunction with Eduardo Freitas, the pair having been race directors in DTM and World Endurance Championship respectively, before becoming

In a statement issued by the FIA, F1’s governing body said Wittich had left the role "to pursue new opportunities.”

Neils Wittich leaves his role as F1 Race Director with newcomer Rui Marques set to replace him from the Las Vegas GP onwards