Motorsport Ireland official and member of the Motorsport Ireland Women in Motorsport Commission, Richa Mergulhao, has been appointed as a Formula 1 Steward for the Hungarian Grand Prix, which takes place from 24–26 July 2026 at the Hungaroring. The appointment marks a significant milestone in her international officiating career.
Based in Killucan, Co. Westmeath, Richa has established herself as an experienced motorsport official, progressing through FIA officiating pathways and undertaking roles at both national and international level. Her appointment to the FIA Formula 1 stewarding panel represents a major step in her continued development within the sport.
Originally beginning her officiating career at Dubai Autodrome in 2007, she has represented Motorsport Ireland since relocating to Ireland in 2020 and has continued to build her experience across a range of international motorsport events.
Richa was selected for the FIA High Performance Programme, which launched at the FIA Officials Summit in Madrid in 2025. The prestigious two-year initiative is designed to identify and develop the next generation of stewards and race directors for the highest levels of international motorsport. Chosen from a highly competitive global pool of officials, participants receive advanced training and mentoring to prepare them for senior FIA officiating roles.
Her appointment as an F1 Steward highlights the growing presence and recognition of Irish officials within global motorsport governance, with FIA stewarding roles representing the highest level of race officiating responsibility.
Speaking ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Richa Mergulhao said:
“It is a huge honour to be appointed as a Formula 1 Steward at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Officiating at this level is always a privilege, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and contributing at the highest level of the sport. I would also like to thank Motorsport Ireland and the wider officiating community for their ongoing support throughout my career.”
Commenting on the appointment, Rosemary Walsh, Chair of the Motorsport Ireland Women in Motorsport Commission, said:
“Richa’s appointment to officiate at one of Formula 1’s most historic events is a landmark achievement. It highlights both her personal progression and the growing opportunities for women in motorsport at the highest level. Motorsport Ireland congratulates Richa on this achievement and wishes her every success at the Hungarian Grand Prix.”
About the MI Women in Motorsport Commission
The Motorsport Ireland Women in Motorsport Commission supports initiatives that encourage and enable greater female participation across all areas of motorsport, including competition, engineering, event management, and officiating.
Oran England has received the first nomination for the 2026 Motorsport Ireland Billy Coleman Young Rally Driver of the Year Award, covering the opening selection period from January to May.
The 21-year-old driver from Virginia, County Cavan, has campaigned a Peugeot Ireland-supported Peugeot 208 Rally4 this season. During the initial nomination window, he secured class victories on the Mayo Stages Rally, the Birr Stages Rally, and the Circuit of Munster.
His early-season performances have put him at the top of the standings in Triton Showers Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship and the Motorsport Ireland Junior Rally Series
In addition, England top the standings in both the Stellantis Rally Cup Ireland and leads his class in the Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship,
England transitioned to rallying in 2024 following a karting career that yielded two national titles, including the Junior X30 Championship in 2017 and the Senior X30 title in 2022.
“It’s an honour to receive the nomination and it’s been something I have been targeting since I started rallying in 2024,” England said. “I have to thank my family who have been a huge support, and I also have to say a special thank you to Odhran Henry and Odhran Henry Racing for all the knowledge and experience they passed on to me in my years of karting. My co-drivers Damien Connolly and Darragh Mullen continue to help me develop and I’m looking forward to what the rest of this year has in store.”
Outside of his motorsport commitments, England is currently completing his work placement with Michael Slattery Associates in Dublin as part of his Fire Safety Engineering degree at ATU Letterkenny.
The winner of the Billy Coleman Award will receive a support package valued at €50,000 to contest rallies nationally and internationally in 2027, with additional development funding up to €50,000 available through the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy.
Oran England Motorsport is supported by: Peugeot Ireland; TEE Fire Safety Solutions; BJD Electrical; The Mason’s Apron; Lough Owel Motors; BSR Plant & Civil; Fortus; Streamline Coaches; OHR; CA Hire and Kerry Motorsport News.
