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

PARIS, France (AFP) — Formula One’s Race Director Niels Wittich has left his role with immediate effect, FIA said on Tuesday, in a surprise move. The German, who replaced Michael Masi in 2022, will be replaced for the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 23 by Rui Marques, who was recently the race director for Formula Two and Three.

Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich has stepped down in a surprise move with three races to go and the title yet to be decided.

Renault's Alpine Formula One team will use Mercedes engines and gearboxes from the 2026 season, both parties announced on Tuesday.

The struggling Alpine Formula 1 team will use engines and gearboxes from Mercedes starting in 2026 after parent company Renault cuts its in-house F1 engine program.