Shaila-Ann Rao returns as advisor to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, following resignations and leadership criticism.

Shaila-Ann Rao has returned to the FIA in a surprise move that places her at the heart of the governing body’s top leadership during a critical period for president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Rao, a seasoned lawyer and former general counsel to Mercedes’ Formula 1 team, left her role as interim secretary general at the FIA in 2022 after just six months. Her abrupt departure raised eyebrows at the time, but now, two years later, she has been appointed directly by Ben Sulayem as a personal adviser.

Her return, effective from 1 May, comes at a moment of considerable internal strife within the FIA. The timing is also politically charged: Ben Sulayem is preparing to seek re-election for a second term in December, following a tenure marked by a string of controversies and high-profile resignations.

Just this month, Robert Reid, the FIA’s deputy president for sport, resigned, citing concerns over the direction and governance under Ben Sulayem. His exit followed that of Natalie Robyn, the former CEO who was dismissed last summer after just 18 months in the role. Robyn, who had remained silent until recently, broke her silence in an interview with BBC Sport, also criticising the president’s leadership style.

In light of this turmoil, Rao’s reappointment is seen as a move to stabilise the FIA presidency and lend legal and commercial expertise to Ben Sulayem as he attempts to steady the ship ahead of the looming election. According to an FIA statement, she will serve as a consultant, providing advice on both regulatory and commercial matters across the seven FIA World Championships, which include Formula 1, World Rally Championship, and Formula E.

Ben Sulayem personally approached Rao about returning. In a public statement, he praised her credentials:
“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. She will also advise me on matters related to all the FIA World Championship promoters.”

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

Rao’s career has seen her operate at the intersection of sport and law for many years. Her close ties to Mercedes F1 and its boss Toto Wolff previously led to speculation about conflicts of interest during her earlier stint at the FIA, particularly around the enforcement of technical regulations. Now, her new advisory role — less operational but highly influential — is likely to invite fresh scrutiny from both critics and political rivals within motorsport’s corridors of power.

The FIA has yet to respond to questions from BBC Sport regarding the process behind Rao’s recruitment. For now, her appointment is being watched closely as the president attempts to shore up support and credibility in the run-up to the organisation’s most consequential leadership election in recent memory.