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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, where he will operate alongside race director Rui Marques for the 2026 season. The appointment comes after Claire Dubbelman's exit from the organization at the start of 2026 to take on a position with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, creating a vacancy that remained unfilled through the first two rounds of the campaign.

Shanghai International CircuitFormula 1

In a significant personnel move within Formula 1's officiating structure, the FIA has confirmed the promotion of Paul Burns to serve as deputy race director. Burns will partner with established race director Rui Marques as the sport's leadership continues to strengthen its race management team for 2026.

The promotion addresses a staffing gap that emerged when Claire Dubbelman concluded her tenure with the FIA at the beginning of this season. Dubbelman's departure saw her transition to the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, leaving the deputy race director position vacant as the calendar kicked off. The opening remained unfilled through the opening two rounds of the 2026 campaign before Burns stepped into the role.

Burns brings relevant experience to the deputy post, positioning him as a capable addition to the race direction team. His appointment underscores the FIA's commitment to maintaining continuity and expertise in one of Formula 1's most critical operational functions as the season progresses.

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Related Regulations

sporting Regulations

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

Sporting Regulations

Article B1.3.3

FIA Source

Officials - Clerk of the Course Authority

Chapter: ARTICLE B1: ORGANISATION OF A COMPETITION

In Simple Terms

The Clerk of the Course and Race Director work together to manage the race, but the Race Director has the final say on important decisions. The Race Director controls when practice starts and stops, whether to stop the car or halt the session, how the race begins, and when to deploy the safety car.

Race Director has overriding authority over all critical race operations
Clerk of the Course works in consultation with Race Director but doesn't have final decision-making power
Race Director controls: practice sessions, car stopping, session stopping, start procedures, and safety car deployment
Clear chain of command ensures unified decision-making during races and practice sessions

Official FIA Text

Clerk of the Course works in consultation with Race Director. Race Director has overriding authority over practice control, car stopping, session stopping, start procedure, and safety car use.

clerk of the courserace directorauthoritypractice controlsession stopping

2026 Season Regulations