The FIA has promoted Ulsterman Paul Burns to the role of deputy race director in Formula 1, where he will work alongside lead Rui Marques. This appointment follows Claire Dubbelman's departure at the start of 2026 to join the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.
The deputy race director position was vacant for the opening two rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season after Dubbelman's exit. Burns steps up from his previous roles as assistant F2 race director through 2025 and for the F4 and Formula Regional classes at the Macau Grand Prix. A Northern Irishman, he previously worked at Formula One Management in its timekeeping team, signing off results at grands prix, and handled timekeeping at various UK and Irish circuits. Burns joined the FIA in 2023, initially in its F1 race operations team before taking on duties across junior categories. In an Instagram post, Dubbelman addressed her departure after nearly a decade at the FIA, writing: > After almost a decade at the FIA, I felt that I had reached a point where I had maximised every opportunity available to me within the organisation. > This move is not about walking away from the FIA, but stepping into a role in a new environment that challenges me at the next level. > It provides me with a perspective to contribute and develop the sport in a way that I didn't see possible in my previous role. I am genuinely excited about being in Saudi [Arabia] and there is so much opportunity here. > By being here, I feel like I am part of its future, helping the Saudi Motorsport Federation to pave the way; facilitating talent and infrastructure for the sport to thrive. She added that 'saying nothing leaves room for speculation'.
