FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem Appoints Shaila-Ann Rao as Advisor
Shaila-Ann Rao, the former senior executive of the FIA, has made a surprise return to the motorsport governing body, just over two years after her departure. The legal expert, who served as interim Secretary General of the FIA in 2022 for a brief six months, has now been appointed as an advisor to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Shaila-Ann Rao’s Career Highlights in Motorsport
Rao brings a wealth of experience to her new role with the FIA. Prior to her initial FIA tenure, she served as the General Counsel for the Mercedes Formula 1 team and as a special advisor to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Her extensive background in motorsport law and governance positions her as a valuable asset to Ben Sulayem’s leadership team.
Ben Sulayem’s Re-election Campaign and Rao’s Strategic Return
Rao’s return coincides with Ben Sulayem’s preparations for his bid for a second term in the upcoming FIA presidential election, scheduled for December. The Emirati FIA President personally reached out to Rao, inviting her back to the organization.
Recent Controversies at the FIA
Rao’s reappointment follows a series of high-profile controversies during Ben Sulayem’s presidency. Most recently, Robert Reid, the deputy president for sport, resigned amid concerns about the direction of the FIA’s governance under Ben Sulayem’s leadership. Additionally, former FIA CEO Natalie Robyn, who left the organization last summer after just 18 months, also voiced criticisms regarding Ben Sulayem’s leadership.
Rao’s New Role as FIA Advisor
Shaila-Ann Rao officially began her advisory role on May 1. In this capacity, she will provide strategic counsel to President Ben Sulayem on various regulatory and commercial issues, particularly those related to the seven FIA World Championships. A statement from the FIA emphasized Rao’s extensive knowledge of global motorsport and her role in strengthening the FIA’s commercial and regulatory frameworks.
Ben Sulayem expressed confidence in Rao’s ability to support the FIA’s continued growth, saying, “Shaila-Ann Rao has an exceptional record in global motorsport and will be a great asset to my team. Her expertise will help us improve the regulatory and commercial frameworks across all FIA World Championships, benefiting our drivers, teams, and member clubs.”
Rao’s Commitment to FIA’s Future in Motorsport
Shaila-Ann Rao shared her excitement about supporting the FIA at this pivotal moment in its history. “I am looking forward to advising the FIA president on matters related to the FIA World Championships,” Rao stated. “The FIA holds a unique place in global sport, and I am excited to help deliver a stronger future for motorsport.”
Despite BBC Sport’s requests for additional comments regarding the circumstances of Rao’s recruitment, the FIA has yet to provide further details. Rao herself has not made any public statements.
