Following the departure of Claire Dubbelman, the FIA has appointed a new deputy race director for Formula 1: Paul Burns will work with Rui Marques in the future.
The FIA has appointed a new deputy race director for Formula 1 following the surprising departure of Claire Dubbelman: Paul Burns will take over the Dutchwoman’s position and work with race director Rui Marques in future.
Burns is no stranger to the role and has already gained experience in a similar position in the past: he was deputy race director for Formula 2 until 2025 and worked for Formula 4 and Formula Regional at the legendary Macau GP.
The Northern Irishman worked for FOM (Formula One Management) for several years, including in the timekeeping department, where he was responsible for approving the race results. Prior to that, he worked as a timekeeper at various race tracks in Great Britain and Ireland.
Burns has been employed by the FIA since 2023 and initially worked in Formula 1 racing operations before taking on operational tasks in the junior categories as (deputy) race director. He will now also perform this function alongside Marques in the premier class.
Claire Dubbelman moves to Saudi Arabia
Burns officially succeeds Claire Dubbelman, who announced her departure from the FIA at the beginning of the year. She was the first Dutchwoman, the first woman and, until then, the youngest person to receive a Race Director Super License from the FIA in 2024.
“After almost a decade at the FIA, I felt that I had exhausted every possible opportunity within the organization,” said Dubbelman, explaining her decision. “This move does not mean that I am leaving the FIA, but that I am taking on a role in a new environment that will challenge me at the next level.”
In future, the Dutchwoman will work for the Saudi Motorsport Association. “This gives me the opportunity to help shape and develop the sport in a way that I didn’t see in my previous position. I’m really excited about my time in Saudi Arabia, there are so many opportunities here.“
”By being here, I feel like I’m part of the future, helping the Saudi Motorsport Federation pave the way; nurturing talent and infrastructure so the sport can thrive,” said Dubbelman. Paul Burns will take up his role as Deputy Race Director from the third race in Japan.
