Other French F1 drivers: Marine Deloffre

Written by fanf1
Other French F1 drivers: Marine Deloffre
Credit: FanF1

France's presence in Formula 1 is growing stronger, with three drivers and the return of its national Grand Prix, but many French personalities have long been part of this exclusive circle. After Magali Bernard, head of press relations, we now hear from Marine Deloffre, head of communications at the Circuit Paul Ricard, who talks to us about her role and her passion.

The roar of engines is already echoing through the hills of Le Castellet, but long before the first Formula 1 car leaves the starting line, another excitement is taking hold. Since the announcement of the return of the French Grand Prix to the Paul Ricard circuit for the first time since 1990, journalists from CNN, The Sunday Times, BBC Top Gear, Sky TV UK, and French channels such as Canal+, TF1, and M6 Turbo have been lining up for accreditation, cameras, and interviews. For the circuit's communications center, this influx resembles a perfect storm of visibility and pressure.

At the heart of this storm is Marine Deloffre, the circuit's communications manager. Responsible for translating CEO Stéphane Clair's grand vision into every press release, social media post, and on-site interview, she leads a small team of three—a media manager, a communications manager, and a graphic designer—to ensure consistency and cohesion in the message. “Every day, we broadcast live what's happening in the paddock, on the rooftop terrace, and even during our sunset races,” she explains, adding that the channels she oversees—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn—have become the front row seats of the circuit for fans and sponsors. Marine Deloffre's day is a mix of the predictable and the unpredictable. She coordinates photo shoots, organizes video crews, responds to interview requests, and selects the “behind-the-scenes” anecdotes that give the site its human touch. At the same time, she oversees larger-scale events, such as the Blancpain GT Series Rooftop Party and the launch of the #BestGridEver season, which she uses as platforms to showcase the circuit's versatility beyond F1.

Her journey to this high-energy position began far from the racetrack. After earning a dual French-German degree in marketing from Kedge Business School in Marseille and an MBA in luxury goods from the Institut Supérieur de Marketing du Luxe, she cut her teeth at Lanvin, where she organized fashion shows and sales showrooms. A stint at Mercedes-Benz France then led her to participate in a marketing incubation program, where she alternated between product marketing and after-sales marketing before turning to public relations, events, and sponsorships for Mercedes-Benz and AMG. “I even helped organize AMG events right here at Paul Ricard,” she notes, recalling the ice track demonstrations and high-speed presentations that reinforced her love of motorsports. This passion dates back to her childhood, when she and her brother preferred playing with toy cars rather than dolls. An internship in Germany, with a view of the SLK production line, reinforced her dream of a career in automotive events. “I never felt any gender barriers,” she says, attributing her seven years at Mercedes-Benz to building a strong network that facilitated her transition to the racetrack. “Passion is the real currency in this world.”

When asked which discipline she prefers, Deloffre lights up at the mention of the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup 1000 km, a night race that combines high-performance GT cars with a rooftop party overlooking the circuit. But she also enjoys the Dix Mille Tours, where beautiful vintage cars parade through the paddock, offering a nostalgic counterpoint to modern speed. For Deloffre, Formula 1 is the pinnacle of technology, engineering, and glamour. “It's a dream to see the French Grand Prix return to Paul Ricard,” she says, while admitting that her loyalty still lies with Mercedes, the team she promoted for years at Mercedes-Benz France. At the same time, she hopes to see French drivers on the podium, a wish that reflects the national enthusiasm generated by the event's revival.

Her most memorable moment? A lap of the circuit itself. “The run-off areas are ultra-abrasive, the safety asphalt is reassuring, and the scenery is simply the most beautiful in the world,” she says with a laugh, adding that the feeling of pure adrenaline, tempered by safety, sums up why she never wants to leave the track.

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