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Former F1 deputy race director opens up about FIA departure

10:11, 27 Feb

byNicole Mulder

Claire Dubbelman has spoken for the first time about her departure from F1 and the FIA and her move to Saudi Arabia.

"My career decisions have never been about comfort. For me, it has always been about growth, responsibility, and impact."

- Claire Dubbelman

The Dutchwoman, who in recent seasons served as deputy race director in Formula 1, confirmed on Instagram that her departure was entirely her own choice: "First of all: yes, I have left the FIA. Stepping away from my role was entirely my own decision.

"I was never pressured, and throughout my time in F1 I had full support of my management. I am genuinely grateful to them for helping me achieve every goal along the way."

Dubbelman responds to FIA exit

With that, she indirectly responded to speculation that arose following her departure. According to Dubbelman, she consciously chose not to respond publicly right away.

“I have not made any statements until now because I never wanted my departure to reflect negatively on the FIA,” she explains. “I have made every effort to leave on good terms, and I continue to consider many of my former colleagues dear friends.”

The Dutchwoman spent nine years within the international motorsport federation and rose to deputy race director in Formula 1. She also became the first woman to receive a license to lead a Grand Prix as race director, though it never came to that because race director Rui Marques was not absent.

Dubbelman emphasized that her departure was driven purely by her own ambition. “After almost a decade at the FIA, I felt that I reached a point where I had maximized every opportunity available to me within the organization. It was clear to me that the next step in my career required a different environment,” she continues.

She acknowledged that her move raises questions, but said she has no problem with that: “My career decisions have never been about comfort. For me, it has always been about growth, responsibility, and impact. I have repeated that in interviews I've done over the past years.”

Dubbelman isn’t leaving F1 entirely behind

In Riyadh, Dubbelman will work at the national motorsport federation, which co-organizes the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. She sees her new position as a next step within the same sport.

She added: “This move is not about walking away from the FIA, but about stepping into a role in a new environment that challenges me at the next level.

“It provides me with a perspective to contribute to and develop the sport in a way I didn't consider possible in my previous role. I am genuinely excited about being in Saudi. There is so much opportunity here.”

According to Dubbelman, she hasn’t really left Formula 1 behind either. “In my view, I didn't leave Formula 1. In many ways, F1 is still part of my daily life. By being here, I feel that I am part of its future, by helping the Saudi Motorsport Federation pave the way; facilitating talent and infrastructure for the sport to thrive.”