The FIA has confirmed a key change to its race control structure ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, announcing the appointment of a new deputy race director following the unexpected departure of Claire Dubbelman.
Dubbelman’s exit marks the end of a significant chapter in her career with the governing body. In 2024, she made history by becoming the first woman to earn a race director super licence from the FIA—an important milestone in a traditionally male-dominated area of motorsport. Her rise through the ranks had been steady and impressive, beginning with her role as a championship manager where she oversaw junior categories such as Formula 2 and Formula 3.
She later transitioned into Formula 1 operations, working as a race control operator before being promoted to deputy race director. Despite holding the role for only two years, Dubbelman spent nearly a decade contributing to the FIA’s racing operations. Her decision to leave, announced last year, came as a surprise to many within the paddock.
Dubbelman is set to relocate to Riyadh, where she will take up a new role with Saudi Arabia’s national motorsport federation. Her move aligns with the country’s growing ambitions in global motorsport, particularly as plans continue for a major new entertainment and racing complex. This development could eventually see the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix move from its current home in Jeddah to a new circuit in Riyadh.
In response to her departure, the FIA has promoted Paul Burns to the role of deputy race director. Burns will now work alongside current F1 race director Rui Marques, strengthening the leadership team in race control.
Burns brings a wealth of experience to the position. He previously served as assistant race director in Formula 2 and has officiated in junior categories such as Formula 4 and Formula Regional, including events at the prestigious Macau Grand Prix. Before joining the FIA in 2023, he worked with Formula One Management in a timekeeping role, where he was responsible for validating race results during grands prix weekends.
Reflecting on her departure, Dubbelman shared a heartfelt message, describing her time at the FIA as one of the most intense and rewarding periods of her professional life. While acknowledging that leaving was not an easy decision, she expressed confidence that it was the right step forward, embracing new challenges with optimism and enthusiasm.
This transition signals both an end and a new beginning within FIA race control as Formula 1 continues to evolve heading into 2026.