Niels Wittich, whose exit as Formula 1 race director was reported by the FIA this week, has been charged by Eddie Jordan of deliberately employing a red flag to hamper Max Verstappen
Eddie Jordan stated Max Verstappen was not given “a fair bargain” as he blamed former Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich of attempting to hamper the Dutchman in his title battle with Lando Norris.
The FIA reported this week that Wittich has been replaced as F1 race executive. The governing body’s explanation to the media suggested the German has chosen to take off his post, but he invalidated that claim before long after and insisted he did not leave.
In any case, his last race weekend in that part was filled with occurrence as overwhelming rain and electrical storms caused havoc in Sao Paulo. Qualifying for the Brazilian Terrific Prix was delayed until the morning of the race but more damp climate caused plenty of occurrences.
There were a few red flags, counting one when Lance Stroll crashed in Q2. But there was a delay between that occurrence and the call from race control to stop the session of around 40 seconds, which proved costly for Verstappen.
Whereas a few other cars had the time to wrap up the flying laps they were on, the Red Bull racer was one of those who did not and it implied he endured an early exit which consigned him to 17th on the grid. With title match Norris on pole, both Verstappen and his boss Christian Horner were incensed.
It was all forgotten afterward in the day as the Dutchman delivered an exceptional drive to win and make it all-but impossible for Norris to capture him within the championship with three rounds remaining. But former F1 group proprietor Jordan was still upset about it as he talked with co-host David Coulthard on their Formula For Success podcast.
The latter started:
“I think it has kind of found its normal put presently where the good fortune of where the security car comes out is the good fortune of the dashing gods. We ought to expect that the race director never looks at things like where cars are.”
Previous F1 race executive Niels Wittich wearing FIA attire
Coulthard replied to say he was not sure whether he agreed that was true, prompting another retort from Jordan. The Irish businessman said: “The red flag was wrong, it was a mistake – he f***** up, didn’t he?”
But that was where he was interrupted by Jordan who snapped back: “Of course he does, of course he does. Are you telling me that Max was dealt a fair deal? Was he dealt a fair deal when the red flag came out six cars, seven cars later? Come on David, don’t be stupid.
“You know the gods are in Lando’s hands. They want Lando to win this championship. But he is not going to, because Max has outfoxed him. That is it.”
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