In Formula 1, the FIA has named a new deputy race director, elevating Paul Burns to collaborate alongside the existing lead, Rui Marques.
This appointment comes after Claire Dubbelman’s exit from the FIA early in 2026 to take a position with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, which created a vacancy for the deputy role during the initial two races of the season.
Subsequently, the FIA advanced Burns, who possesses comparable experience, having functioned as the assistant F2 race director until 2025 and also for the F4 and Formula Regional categories at the Macau Grand Prix.
Burns, a native of Northern Ireland, previously held a position within Formula One Management’s timekeeping department, where he was responsible for validating grand prix outcomes. Prior to this, he dedicated time to managing timekeeping responsibilities across numerous circuits in the UK and Ireland.
His transition to the FIA occurred in 2023, initially joining their F1 race operations group, then later undertaking operational responsibilities across the foundational racing series.
Dubbelman clarified her reasons for departing the FIA earlier in the year via an Instagram post, remarking that “remaining silent allows for conjecture”—possibly intending to differentiate her resignation from several more prominent departures from the FIA that occurred over the preceding two years.
Claire Dubbelman, former FIA deputy race director
Photo by: Li Chao Paddocker – NurPhoto – Getty Images
“Having spent nearly ten years with the FIA, I sensed I had arrived at a stage where I had fully utilized every potential opening presented to me within the entity,” she wrote.
“This transition is not about abandoning the FIA, but rather moving into a position within a different setting that will challenge me further.”
“It offers me an opportunity to provide input and advance the sport in ways I hadn’t envisioned in my former capacity. I am truly enthusiastic about being in Saudi [Arabia] as the potential here is immense.”
“My presence here makes me feel integral to its future, assisting the Saudi Motorsport Federation in setting the course; fostering talent and infrastructure essential for the sport’s prosperity.”
