BREAKING: FIA Announce Shock return for Major F1 figure ahead of M…read more
BREAKING: FIA Announce Shock return for Major F1 figure ahead of M…read more
In a surprising turn of events, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has announced the return of Shaila-Ann Rao to the organization. The appointment comes just ahead of the highly anticipated Miami Grand Prix, marking a significant development after her departure from motorsport’s governing body at the end of 2022.
Rao has been appointed as a Presidential Advisor to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This marks her third stint with the FIA, having previously served as their legal director from 2016 to 2018 and as the interim secretary general for motorsport in 2022. Her return follows a period that included a role with the Mercedes F1 team and involvement in the cost cap investigation concerning Red Bull before her exit.
The FIA confirmed the appointment earlier today in a statement, which read: “FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has appointed Shaila-Ann Rao as a Presidential Advisor.”
The statement further elaborated on her responsibilities: “Ms Rao will provide advice to the FIA President on a range of issues including regulatory and commercial matters related to the seven FIA World Championships. She will commence her role on 1st May 2025.”
Highlighting her extensive experience, the FIA noted, “Ms Rao is a dual qualified lawyer, being both an English Solicitor and a French Lawyer admitted to the Paris Bar and has significant experience in global motor sport.”
This appointment comes at a crucial juncture for the FIA, which emphasized its ongoing organizational transformation and financial reforms, projecting positive operational results for 2024 after inheriting a significant deficit in 2021.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his enthusiasm about Rao’s return, stating, “I am delighted to welcome back Shaila-Ann Rao to the FIA. She has an exceptional record in global motor sport and will be a great asset to me and my team as we continue to improve the regulatory and commercial frameworks across all the FIA World Championships benefiting our drivers, teams and FIA Member Clubs. She will also advise me on matters re…” (The statement appears to be truncated in the provided text).
Ben Sulayem is set to stand for re-election as FIA president on Friday, December 17, 2025, as his first term draws to a close. His tenure has been marked by several notable decisions and a series of resignations from key figures within the governing body.
Rao’s return to the FIA is expected to bring her wealth of legal and motorsport expertise to the President’s office as the organization navigates the complexities of global motorsport. Her insights into regulatory and commercial aspects will undoubtedly be valuable in the ongoing development of t
he sport.
