A new deputy race director has been appointed in the FIA.

      The FIA announced the appointment of a new deputy race director in Formula 1. Paul Burns has taken on this role, where he will assist race director Rui Marques. Burns' appointment follows the departure of Claire Dabbelman from this position in early 2026, who moved to work at the Saudi Arabian Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. After her resignation, the position remained vacant, and Marques had no deputies during the first two rounds of the Formula 1 season. The Northern Irishman joined the FIA in 2023. Prior to his new role, Paul Burns was the deputy race director in Formula 2, Formula 4, and Formula Regional as part of the Macau Grand Prix. Before joining the FIA, Burns worked at Formula One Management, where he was responsible for timing and participated in the final approval of Formula 1 race results. Before that, he was involved in timing at various racetracks in the UK and Ireland.