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

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.

Former F1 race director Niels Wittich has reportedly claimed he did “not resign” – a matter of hours after the FIA announced his departure from his role. The FIA, F1’s governing body, said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon that 52-year-old Wittich had “stepped down” from his position to “pursue new opportunities.