FIA Deputy Race Director Dubbelman Departs for Saudi Role

FIA Deputy Race Director Claire Dubbelman, a pioneering official and the first woman to hold a race director's Super Licence, has left the governing body. She is set to join Saudi Arabia's national motorsport federation, departing her key post in F1 race control after nearly nine years with the FIA.

Why it matters:

Dubbelman's exit creates a significant vacancy in the FIA's race direction team just ahead of the pivotal 2026 season, a time of major regulatory change. Her move is also a major statement of intent from Saudi Arabia, demonstrating its ambition to build a motorsport infrastructure by attracting top-tier talent from the heart of F1.

The details:

• Tenure at the FIA: Dubbelman joined the FIA in 2017 as a championship manager and was promoted to Deputy Race Director in early 2024, working alongside Race Director Rui Marques.
• New Role: She will join the sporting and technical department of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), the nation's official ASN (National Sporting Authority).
• Saudi Expansion: The move aligns with Saudi Arabia's deepening investment in F1, which currently includes the Jeddah Corniche Circuit Grand Prix and plans for a second street race in the futuristic city of Qiddiya.
• A Trailblazer's Legacy: Beyond her duties in race control, Dubbelman has been a prominent and passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in motorsport, often speaking about the importance of breaking barriers for women in the sport.

What's next:

The FIA will now begin the search for a new deputy to support Rui Marques, a critical appointment to ensure stability and consistency as the sport navigates the new ground-effect regulations and power unit rules in 2026. For Saudi Arabia, securing an official with Dubbelman's level of experience and FIA insight is a significant coup, likely accelerating their long-term motorsport development goals.