The FIA’s sudden switch in race directors with just three races left has raised eyebrows across Formula 1, with Ferrari drivers questioning the timing of this major change.
Charles Leclerc didn’t mince words about the surprise move. “That came out of nowhere,” he said. “We were all pretty shocked.”
The change sees Niels Wittich, who’s been in charge since 2022, being replaced by Rui Marques, who comes from Formula 2 and Formula 3.
There’s already drama around the switch. While the FIA claims Wittich stepped down “to pursue new opportunities,” he’s telling a different story – saying he was actually fired.
It’s particularly interesting timing since the championship battles aren’t over yet. Marques will now oversee these crucial final races after getting his feet wet at last weekend’s Macau Grand Prix.
Leclerc thinks the whole thing could’ve been handled better.
“The timing was really surprising,” he said. “To do it so late in the season, at such a crucial moment – that’s what’s really strange about it.”
But he’s trying to stay positive about working with the FIA going forward. “It doesn’t really change our relationship with them. We’re always trying to make things better for the sport.”
His teammate Carlos Sainz stressed how important it is for drivers and the race director to work well together.
“We give crucial feedback about track conditions and safety,” Sainz explained. “When we speak up on the radio, it’s because we really believe something needs attention.”
He’s hoping Marques will be open to driver input. After all, the drivers are the ones actually out there on track, feeling every bump and sensing every danger.
The real test will come in the season’s final three races, as Marques steps into this high-pressure role with championships still on the line.
