Paul Burns Steps Into Deputy Race Director Role Following Dubbelman's Departure

The FIA has elevated Paul Burns to the position of deputy race director, pairing him alongside race director Rui Marques for the 2026 season. Burns assumes the vacant post created by Claire Dubbelman's exit from the federation at the start of the year, as she transitioned to the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.

Formula 1

In a significant staffing move, the FIA has confirmed the promotion of Paul Burns to serve as deputy race director in Formula 1, working alongside established race director Rui Marques as the sport advances through the 2026 campaign.

The appointment addresses a vacancy that emerged following Claire Dubbelman's decision to depart the FIA at the beginning of 2026, with her move to the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation leaving the deputy position unfilled through the opening two rounds of the season.

Burns, whose background provides relevant experience for the demanding role, has now secured the promotion to fill this crucial position within F1's race management hierarchy. The appointment underscores the FIA's commitment to maintaining continuity and stability in its officiating structure as the season progresses.

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sporting Regulations

Art. B1.3.1

Art. B1.2.1

Hover over badges for quick summaries, or scroll down for full official text and simplified explanations.

Full Regulation Text

Sporting Regulations

Article B1.3.1

FIA Source

Officials - FIA Nominated Officials

Chapter: ARTICLE B1: ORGANISATION OF A COMPETITION

In Simple Terms

The FIA (Formula 1's governing body) appoints the officials who run each race. These officials include 3-4 stewards (judges who make decisions), a Race Director (who controls the race), and a Starter (who begins the race). All of them must have an FIA Super Licence, which means they're highly qualified and approved by the FIA.

FIA appoints between 3-4 stewards, with one serving as chairperson to make official decisions
A Race Director is appointed to oversee and manage the entire race
A Permanent Starter is appointed to start the race safely
All officials must hold an FIA Super Licence, ensuring they meet strict qualification standards

Official FIA Text

FIA nominates minimum three, maximum four stewards (one chair), a Race Director, and a Permanent Starter from FIA Super Licence holders.

fia officialsstewardsrace directorstartersuper licence

2026 Season Regulations

Sporting Regulations

Article B1.2.1

FIA Source

FIA Delegates - Nomination

Chapter: ARTICLE B1: ORGANISATION OF A COMPETITION

In Simple Terms

The FIA (Formula 1's governing body) appoints official delegates to oversee different aspects of each Grand Prix. These include mandatory roles like Safety, Medical, and Technical Delegates who ensure rules are followed, plus optional roles like the Race Director's deputy and safety car drivers who support race operations.

FIA must nominate four essential delegates: Safety, Medical, Technical, and Media Delegates
Additional delegates can be appointed including President's representative, Deputy Race Director, and medical/safety car drivers
These officials ensure fair competition, driver safety, and proper rule enforcement throughout the race weekend
Each delegate has specific responsibilities for their area of oversight

Official FIA Text

FIA nominates Safety Delegate, Medical Delegate, Technical Delegate, Media Delegate. May also nominate President's representative, Deputy Race Director, Deputy Medical Delegate, Observer, safety car driver, medical car driver.

fia delegatessafety delegatetechnical delegatemedical delegaterace director

2026 Season Regulations