Rui Marques (Formula One)

Rui Marques
Born	1972 or 1973 (age 51–52) Portugal
Occupation	FIA Race Director
Years active	2012–present
Known for	Formula One Race Director (2024–present)
Predecessor	Niels Wittich

Rui Marques (born 1972 or 1973) is a Portuguese motorsport official who currently serves as the Formula One race director. He was promoted to the position in November 2024.

Career

Early career

Marques began his career at the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile in 2012. He previously worked in karting in his home country of Portugal, and also as the race director for the World Touring Car Championship.[1] He has also served as a track marshal, scrutineer, and steward.[2]

In 2024, Marques served as the race director for Formula 2 and Formula 3.[3] He also directed the 2024 Macau Grand Prix, which featured a large number of red flags and safety cars across the weekend.[2]

Formula One

Marques was promoted to the position of Formula One race director prior to the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, after his predecessor Niels Wittich departed from the role.[4]

During the Las Vegas weekend, many drivers complained about the track. Marques was complimented by GPDA Director & Mercedes driver George Russell and Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr. for his swift response to the criticism regarding track markings.[5]

Marques was set to be replaced by Janette Tan as the Formula Two race director, but she was unexpectedly removed from her position shortly before the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix. As a result, Marques was forced to serve as both the Formula One and Formula 2 race director for the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds.[6][7][8]

References

1. "F1 race director: Job explained and Rui Marques profile". BBC Sport. 13 November 2024. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
2. "F1's New Race Director Breaks Silence After Controversial Niels Wittich Exit". F1 On Sports Illustrated. 19 November 2024. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
3. Smith, Luke. "F1 race director Niels Wittich steps down with 3 races left in season; Rui Marques to take over". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
4. "Niels Wittich: FIA confirms immediate departure of F1 race director with Rui Marques named replacement". Sky Sports. 12 November 2024. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
5. "F1 drivers impressed by swift action from new FIA race director". Autosport. 23 November 2024. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
6. Smith, Luke. "FIA exits continue as long-serving Formula 1 steward, Formula 2 race director depart". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
7. "Fresh FIA upheaval as F2 race director and key steward dismissed". Autosport. 28 November 2024. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
8. Kisby, Cambridge (5 December 2024). "Can F1's new race director handle double title pressure? Abu Dhabi GP preview". Motor Sport Magazine. Retrieved 12 December 2024.