Rui Marques gains key support as deputy Claire Dubbelman, a product of FIA’s elite training, steps into a pivotal F1 role.
As we reported a few days ago through statements by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA president, there should indeed be two race directors in F1 this year, according to the federation’s plans.
The race director will be Rui Marques, who took over race direction last year during the final three rounds of the season. This time, however, he will not be replaced at certain races but will be assisted by a deputy race director.
He will be joined by Claire Dubbelman, who has been with the FIA since 2017 and previously held the position of sporting director for F1 within the federation. Dubbelman also served as a championship director, overseeing F2 and F3.
Dubbelman was trained and promoted through the FIA’s High Performance Program, which develops stewards and future race directors. The program recently completed its second cycle.
At the Jarama circuit, around 230 stewards, directors, and delegates from the FIA’s seven world championships gathered for training. They received instruction on regulatory changes, AI, communication, media relations, and decision-making.
The first edition was held in 2020, and the HPP program will now welcome 12 new candidates—six stewards and six directors—who will aim to reach the pinnacle of motorsport by securing a role in Formula 1.
The selection features perfect gender parity, with all candidates under the age of 40, representing 11 countries across five continents.
These officials received training on the use of new technologies to tackle race control challenges, particularly in limiting human error and managing data overload.
When properly applied, artificial intelligence and machine learning enable efficient and clear decision-making through AI-assisted detection and analysis of race incidents, automated track limit enforcement, and predictive analysis for proactive decision-making.
AI-driven high-speed video analysis enhances incident reviews, with advanced dashboards integrating telemetry, GPS, video, and team radio, streamlining real-time data visualization and integration.
“This summit is a landmark event that acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of FIA officials, who are the backbone of motorsport,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President.
“The unwavering dedication of our officials and volunteers ensures fairness, safety, and integrity, and we are entering the 2025 seasons ready to deliver safe, fair, and well-regulated competitions.”
“The FIA is committed to identifying and nurturing officiating talent, fostering accessibility and diversity, and providing support, training, and opportunities for empowerment. 2025 is the year of our officials.”
Valerio Iachizzi, FIA Secretary General for Sport, welcomed the federation’s commitment, stating, “The FIA is making significant investments in the future of our officials. The expertise and experience within our community are an incredible asset, and it’s vital that we share them with the next generation.”
“The officials’ pathway ensures global training and knowledge sharing at all levels of motorsport, and the FIA’s new Officials Department allows us to identify and support new talent. I encourage anyone interested in becoming an official to contact their local ASN and take the first step on this rewarding journey.”
Elise Racette, President of the FIA Volunteers and Officials Commission, said, “The summit was a fantastic showcase of the dynamism, dedication, and passion that are fundamental within the officials’ community, which I am so proud to be part of.”
“Events like this allow us to build connections and continue our training. Being an official is a process of continuous learning and development, and the FIA is the channel for that process. I am excited by the talent we are seeing, and the future of FIA officials is incredibly bright.”
“There are currently 302,000 officials, stewards, and unpaid volunteers covering over 60,700 events held annually. The details and educational insights shared during the summit will be distributed throughout the FIA member club community as part of the officials’ development pathway.”
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F1’s Dynamic Duo: Marques Gets Deputy Director Boost F1’s Dynamic Duo: Marques Gets Deputy Director Boost F1’s Dynamic Duo: Marques Gets Deputy Director Boost