Martine Grael, SailGP's first female driver, has left Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team, in what the outfit describes as a planned reshuffle rather than a parting of ways under pressure.
Grael broke the news herself, posting on social media on Friday that she was "officially unemployed". Mubadala Brazil followed with a statement confirming her departure shortly after.
Strategist Paul Goodison will now take over driving duties, with Marina Arndt, previously the team's reserve strategist, stepping up into the strategist role.
"The change in the team had already been professionally and strategically planned for this stage of the season, as part of the natural process of evaluation and evolution of a high-performance team," the team said. "As always, we have a plan in place and a team prepared to manage these adjustments in the best possible way."
"Paul Goodison will take the helm of the F50, while Marina Arndt will move into the strategist position," the statement continued. "Both are experienced and highly qualified professionals who are already part of our structure and give us confidence to remain competitive through the final two events of the season."
The team framed Grael's exit as her own decision. "As Martine Grael shared on her social media channels, the sailor has decided not to complete the 2026 season with the team."
It also paid tribute to her contribution. "Martine has been with us since the creation of the project and played an important role in this journey, contributing to the team's development and growth over the past two years. We thank her for the partnership and for all the work we have carried out together."
For now, Mubadala Brazil says its focus is on finishing out the season, with more detail on 2027 to come. "At this time, our focus is on preparing for the final stages of the season. Further information regarding our next steps and plans for 2027 will be shared in due course."
Mubadala Brazil joined SailGP at the start of the 2025 Season, becoming the first South American team in the league's history. Grael won her first race in New York last season, a landmark moment for the team and for women's sailing at this level.
That form has proved hard to repeat. With three events remaining under their new line-up, Mubadala Brazil sit 13th on the 2026 Season leaderboard.
