FIA clarifies 2025 F1 race director role after Sulayem remarks
Despite FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem's indication of multiple race directors for 2025, Rui Marques will continue as Formula 1's sole race director, supported by deputy Claire Dubbelman across all 24 races.
Rui Marques is set to continue as Formula 1's sole race director for the entire 2025 season, contradicting recent statements from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem about multiple directors taking charge throughout the year.
Leadership continuity
Following his successful stint managing the final three races of the 2024 season after Niels Wittich's departure before Las Vegas, Marques will oversee all 24 races in 2025.
The Portuguese official's appointment brings stability to race control, with Claire Dubbelman stepping into a permanent deputy race director role to strengthen the leadership structure.
FIA's evolving strategy
The confirmation comes despite Ben Sulayem's recent remarks at an FIA event in Jarama, where he suggested multiple race directors would share responsibilities throughout 2025.
"For sure there will be new blood and there will be more than one [race director]. That's for sure,"
Ben Sulayem had stated, highlighting the need for broader officiating capabilities.
Building for the future
The FIA's commitment to developing race control expertise extends beyond immediate leadership positions.
The governing body announced plans for a new officials department focused on training future referees and stewards. Single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis envisions this initiative transforming the FIA into "a more professional body in the future."
Training and diversity
Ben Sulayem emphasized the FIA's commitment to merit-based appointments and comprehensive training programs.
"It has taken us more than two-and-a-half years to get to what we are achieving now,"
he explained, while addressing criticism of the organization's approach to diversity.
"We don't have women because we have to take 30 per cent, we take women on the basis of merit and credibility because they are good."
The FIA president also stressed the importance of systematic approaches over individual dependencies, noting that the organization must be prepared for any contingency:
"What if the race director decides not to go or if he gets sick? It's the same as the FIA. If something happens to me tomorrow, the FIA will continue to function without me."
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