The FIA has appointed Paul Burns as Deputy Race Director for Formula 1, strengthening its race control structure after a vacancy at the start of the 2026 campaign.
Burns will work alongside Race Director Rui Marques, stepping into the role following Claire Dubbelman’s exit from the organisation earlier this year to take up a position with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.
The Northern Irish official joined the FIA in 2023 as part of its F1 race operations team and has since held responsibilities across junior categories, including serving as assistant race director in Formula 2.
Prior to joining the FIA, Burns worked within Formula One Management’s timekeeping division, where he was involved in validating race results at grands prix, before building experience across UK and Irish circuits.
His promotion continues the FIA’s strategy of developing race control personnel through its internal pathway system, with experience across multiple championships increasingly seen as a prerequisite for senior officiating roles.
The appointment also restores a two-person leadership structure within F1 race control, following a period of transition in recent seasons.
