According to F1, no, but according to the international press that's exactly what happened, saying that Niels Wiitich has put too many spokes in the wheels lately...
The FIA has today unexpectedly announced that Formula 1 World Championship race director Niels Wittich is leaving his position immediately. According to a statement released this afternoon, the German professional was "looking for new opportunities", which is why he is leaving so suddenly, already before the Las Vegas Grand Prix...
"The FIA confirms that Niels Wittich has left his role as Formula 1 Race Director to seek new opportunities. Niels has carried out his duties with commitment and professionalism, for which we thank him and wish him every success for the future." - reads the statement.
Meanwhile, the international press is increasingly reporting that there were serious disagreements between Wittich and the FIA president, Mohammed ben Sulayem. And because of this, Wittich had his hands tied, he had to leave by the end of the year... Most likely, all this happened because the FIA constantly bothered the drivers with insignificant matters: swearing, body jewelry, underwear. Probably the final impetus for his dismissal was given by the open letter of the drivers' organization.
