Changing of the guard
The FIA has today appointed a new Deputy Race Director for Formula 1. He is Northern Irishman Paul Burnswhich will therefore act as from now on ‘second’ of the Portuguese Rui Marqueswho has been occupying the role of Race Director for F1 Grands Prix for some seasons now.
This decision follows theGoodbye by Claire Dubbelmanwho left the FIA at the beginning of 2026 to join the Saudi Federation, thus leaving the position of deputy Race Director vacant for the first two rounds of the season, in Australia and China.
Now this role will return to be covered by Burns, who has already developed anexperience in similar roleshaving served as deputy race director for F2 in the 2025 season, as well as for the F4 and Formula Regional classes at the Macau Grand Prix. The new Deputy Race Director had joined the FIA in 2023, having also worked in the timing sector at various circuits in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
