As reported by the BBC, Shaila-Ann Rao will return to motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, just over two years after her abrupt departure. Starting May 1st, she will serve as an advisor to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, as he prepares to seek a second term as FIA president. In her new role, Rao will serve as an advisor to Ben Sulayem, guiding him on regulatory and commerical matters across severn FIA World Championships, including Formula 1.
In a statement, Rao expressed enthusiam about rejoining the FIA, stating:
“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.
“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 motor sport.”
Ben Sulayem, who contacted Rao about a return to the FIA, also welcomed Rao’s return, praising her “exceptional record” and describing her as a “great asset” to him and his team.
“Shaila-Ann Rao has an exceptional record in global motorsport 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 turbulent history in motorsport
Rao, a lawyer by profession, boasts a lengthy career in motorsport. After joining the FIA in 2016 as legal director, a role she held until the end of 2018, she became the general counsel to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, and special adviser its CEO and Team Principal Toto Wolff. In June 2022, however, she briefly returned to the FIA for a six-month stint as interim secretary general for motorsport.
However, her time in that role was marked by tension. Multiple sources later revealed that Rao and Ben Sulayem had a turbulent working relationship. In 2023, it emerged that Rao had sent a letter to the FIA before her departure in December 2022, alleging several instances of sexist behavior by Ben Sulayem—claims that cast a shadow over her exit.
A strategic return?
Despite that alleged history, sources indicate that Ben Sulayem personally reached out to Rao ahead of his upcoming re-election campaign. The timing of Rao’s appointment, however, has raised eyebrows with many speculating that the move is part of a broader strategy plan for Ben Sulayem to improve support amid growing scrutiny over his leadership.
Ben Sulayem’s presidency has been marred by several high-profile controversies that have drawn criticism from officials, athletes, pundits and fans alike. Most recently, Deputy President for Sport, Robert Reid resigned, citing concerns over the governance direction under Ben Sulayem.
Not long after the announcement of Reid’s departure, former FIA chief executive Natalie Robyn, who left the FIA “by mutual agreement” in May 2024 after 18 months in her role, spoke to the BBC about the FIA’s “serious ongoing structural challenges”.
“During my tenure as CEO, I worked under challenging circumstances to strengthen the federation’s governance framework and upgrade its operational transparency.”
“The resignation of the deputy president of sport clearly indicates there are serious ongoing structural challenges.“
