Rui Marques (Formula One)

Rui Marques
Born1972 or 1973 (age 51–52)
Portugal
OccupationFormula One Race Director
Years active2024–present
PredecessorNiels 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

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Early career

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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.[4][5]

Formula One

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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.[6] During the Las Vegas weekend, Marques was complimented by GPDA Director and Mercedes driver George Russell and Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr. for his swift response to criticism regarding track markings.[7][8]

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.[9][10][11] He is continuing in his role for the 2025 Formula One season.[12]

References

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  1. ^ "F1 race director: Job explained and Rui Marques profile". BBC Sport. 13 November 2024. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  2. ^ Velasco, Paul (13 November 2024). "Who is Rui Marques? The man in the hottest seat in Formula 1". GrandPrix247. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
  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. ^ Nichol, Jake (15 November 2024). "New F1 race director hit with farcical 12-red flags Macau qualifying". RacingNews365. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
  5. ^ Maher, Thomas (18 November 2024). "F1's new race director speaks out as he admits to unprecedented new challenge". PlanetF1. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
  6. ^ "Niels Wittich: FIA confirms immediate departure of F1 race director with Rui Marques named replacement". Sky Sports. 12 November 2024. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  7. ^ "F1 drivers impressed by swift action from new FIA race director". Autosport. 23 November 2024. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  8. ^ Hunt, Ben (23 November 2024). "F1 drivers are already 'surprised' by new race director". The Race. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ "Fresh FIA upheaval as F2 race director and key steward dismissed". Autosport. 28 November 2024. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  11. ^ 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.
  12. ^ Lawrence, Dan (10 February 2025). "Rui Marques set to continue as FIA F1 race director for 2025". Motorsport Week. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
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