Claire Dubbelman: A Trailblazer in Formula 1 Race Management
Claire Dubbelman’s journey into the world of motorsport began in her childhood, inspired by her father, Huub, who had a long career in automotive journalism and public relations for esteemed brands like Mercedes-Benz Netherlands. It was during her early years that she developed a passion for Formula 1, as her father would wake her up in the early mornings to catch the races live, including the Australian Grand Prix, which was once the season opener.
Her fond memories of attending races at Zandvoort with her father solidified her love for the sport. "From a young age, going to the track became our favorite outing," Dubbelman recalls, pointing to events like the Masters, Easter Races, and Pentecost Races as highlights of her youth.
Building a Strong Foundation
After completing secondary school, Dubbelman pursued a degree in international communication, which she finished by the age of 21. Realizing that she wanted to enjoy her career rather than simply endure it, she sought opportunities in the automotive world. Her first role was in the marketing department of Carver, a company specializing in three-wheeled vehicles. Shortly afterward, she received an opportunity to work in Formula Renault, where she joined an agency that represented Renault Sport in Northern European championships. This marked the beginning of her career in motorsport.
Working in Formula Renault provided Dubbelman with a diverse skill set as she took on multiple responsibilities within a small team. "We were just three people organizing the entire Formula Renault Northern European Championship," she explains. "I used to joke that I did everything except for wielding a screwdriver!" Her diverse tasks included arranging trophies, writing press releases, maintaining sporting regulations, and even communicating race decisions to teams over the radio, which allowed her to gain valuable insight into race control and regulations—areas she found particularly intriguing.
A Career with the FIA
Dubbelman’s first experience with the FIA came in the form of a freelance position as the FIA Media Delegate for the Formula 3 Euro Series between 2012 and 2013. This role laid the groundwork for her eventual full-time position at the FIA in 2017 as Championship Manager, where she oversaw junior series like Formula 2 and Formula 3. In the latter part of 2022, she transitioned to a Race Control Operator role in Formula 1, where she was responsible for implementing the Race Director’s decisions through FIA systems.
In 2023, Dubbelman took her career a step further by being appointed as the Deputy Race Director for Formula 1. "I moved one seat to the left," she notes about her promotion, explaining that her new role involves significant responsibilities, including deploying the safety car and coordinating medical services during races. Additionally, as the Sporting Manager at the FIA, she assists the FIA Sporting Director in various operational matters, such as overseeing the Super Licence Working Group and supporting the Sporting Advisory Committee in maintaining and amending sporting regulations.
Breaking Barriers in Motorsport
In 2023, Dubbelman earned her FIA Race Director Super Licence, a credential that authorizes her to step into the race director role at Grands Prix if necessary. "The FIA decided that anyone making impactful decisions during races must hold this license," she explains. She is proud to be the first Dutch national, the first woman, and at just 38 years old, the youngest person to obtain this license. "The lack of women in such roles highlights the challenges and sacrifices involved in reaching this level," she states.
Despite her achievements, Dubbelman acknowledges that she often finds herself as the only woman at meetings, particularly during drivers’ briefings where she interacts with FIA and FOM representatives, team managers, and drivers. "While we’ve made progress in many areas, being the only woman in a room full of fifty people is a stark reminder of how much work still lies ahead."
However, she has observed positive changes within the FIA itself. "When I joined, many women held administrative positions, but now we see them in key operational roles," Dubbelman notes, emphasizing the importance of female representation in various capacities, including technical scrutineers and heads of operations.
Aspiring to Lead
Dubbelman has expressed her desire to one day become a Race Director in Formula 1, but she insists it must be on her own terms. She notes that the collaborative environment within the FIA has improved, making her feel more comfortable about the idea. "We’ve moved away from a system where one person made all the decisions," she explains, highlighting the benefits of teamwork in the current structure.
She acknowledges that while she has aspirations to grow in her career, she also wants to ensure that she is prepared before stepping into a more prominent role. "I still have a lot to learn, especially in areas like circuit homologation," she comments. Understanding the nuances of safety barriers and race conditions is vital for making informed decisions during critical moments in a race.
Looking Ahead
While Dubbelman is content in her current role as Deputy Race Director, she is open to further growth in the future. She recognizes that opportunities in Formula 1 can be unpredictable and that she may be promoted sooner than anticipated. "I’m aware that I can express my desires, but ultimately, it’s the organization that decides," she reflects.
Her journey serves as an inspiration to many in the motorsport community, demonstrating that with determination and perseverance, barriers can be broken. Dubbelman continues to pave the way for future generations of women in motorsport, encouraging diversity and inclusion in a sport that, historically, has been male-dominated.
As she prepares for upcoming Grands Prix, Dubbelman remains focused on her responsibilities while also nurturing her ambition for the future. Her story is a testament to the evolving landscape of motorsport, where talent, hard work, and a commitment to excellence can lead to groundbreaking achievements.
