According to F1, no, but according to the international press, that's exactly what happened, saying that Niels Wiitich has been adding too much fuel to the fire lately...
The FIA has unexpectedly announced today that Formula 1 World Championship race director Niels Wittich is leaving his position with immediate effect. According to a statement issued this afternoon, the German specialist was seeking “new opportunities”, which is why he is leaving so abruptly, ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix…
"The FIA confirms that Niels Wittich has left the position of F1 Race Director, seeking new opportunities. Niels has fulfilled his duties as Race Director with dedication and professionalism, for which we thank him and wish him much success in the future." - the statement reads.
Meanwhile, the international press is increasingly reporting that there were serious tensions between Wittich and FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem. And because of this, Wittich's hands were tied, at the end of the year he had to leave for sure... Probably all this happened because the FIA continued to harass the drivers with insignificant things: swearing, body jewelry, underwear. Probably the final impetus for his dismissal was provided by the open letter of the drivers' organization.
