By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich has stepped down with immediate effect, the FIA confirmed on Tuesday.
Wittich “has stepped down from his position to pursue new opportunities,” the FIA said in a statement.
He will be replaced from the next race in Las Vegas by Rui Marques, most recently the race director for Formula 2 and 3.
“Rui brings a wealth of experience having previously served as track marshal, scrutineer, national and international steward, deputy race director and race director in various championships.”
It is highly unusual for an F1 race director to be changed in the middle of a season, especially given there are just three races remaining.
The decision was not widely expected within F1, although some insiders had heard Wittich would be replaced at the end of the season.
The FIA said it could not provide any information beyond its official statement.
Wittich is the latest in a series of senior people to leave the FIA in the past year.
The race director is responsible for the safe execution of the weekend sessions and liaises with drivers over their on-track concerns.