Ben Sulayem brings ex-Mercedes figure back to FIA as advisor

Shaila-Ann Rao has rejoined the FIA for a third stint with motorsport’s governing body after being appointed as an advisor to president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Rao, who is dual-qualified as both an English solicitor and French lawyer, first worked for the FIA as legal director from May 2016 to the end of 2018, returning in June 2022 for a six-month stint as interim FIA secretary general for motorsport.

Rao was general counsel to the Mercedes Formula 1 team and then special advisor to team principal Toto Wolff in between those two FIA stints.

Her spell working with Mercedes led to what Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto called “concerns” about her role, with Red Bull known to have privately questioned her involvement after being penalised for a cost-cap breach, as well as publicly raising questions about “leakage”.

However, when she left the role, Ben Sulayem praised Rao for “acting with professionalism and integrity”, with her departure not related to any of these insinuations given the appointment was always on an interim basis.

Rao will advise Ben Sulayem on what’s described by the FIA as “a range of issues including regulatory and commercial matters”, starting her role at the beginning of May.

The FIA’s statement also describes this as a “pivotal time” for the FIA amid “organisational transformation and financial reform”, citing the reversal of an operating loss of €24million in 2021 to a profit of €2.2m last year.

It's also a significant period for Ben Sulayem’s presidency, with his expected campaign for re-election at the end of the year and the possibility of a rival candidate emerging given dissent from some quarters over his leadership.

“I am delighted to welcome back Shaila-Ann Rao to the FIA,” said Ben Sulayem.

"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 related to all the FIA World Championship promoters.”

Rao’s appointment is also part of the ongoing evolution of Ben Sulayem’s team, following 1994 British Rally champion and M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson’s joining as new deputy president for sport in the wake of the resignation of Robert Reid.

“I am looking forward to advising the FIA President across the FIA world championships and building on the significant progress that has already been made during his presidential term strengthening the championships’ regulatory and commercial frameworks,” said Rao.

“The FIA holds a unique place in global sport, and I am excited to support the FIA at this time and to help the FIA president deliver an even stronger future for motorsport.”