Shaila-Ann Rao Returns to FIA as Presidential Advisor
Shaila-Ann Rao has been reappointed to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) as a presidential advisor to Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the governing body’s president. This marks her latest role in a storied career within motorsports, previously serving as legal director at the FIA, a lawyer for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, and special advisor to team principal Toto Wolff.
Rao’s career trajectory includes a previous stint at the FIA during a transitional period, where she was instrumental in the 2022 cost cap investigation into Red Bull Racing. After a brief tenure as interim secretary general for motorsport, Rao departed the FIA at the end of 2022. Her return will see her advising Ben Sulayem on regulatory and commercial aspects of the FIA’s seven world championships.
"I am looking forward to advising the FIA president across the FIA world championships and building on the significant progress made during his term," Rao stated. She emphasized the importance of the FIA in global sport and her commitment to enhancing the motor racing landscape.
Ben Sulayem welcomed Rao back, highlighting her exceptional experience in global motorsport as a vital asset to his team. He also noted that with her expertise, the FIA aims to bolster its regulatory and commercial frameworks to benefit drivers, teams, and member clubs.
Rao’s return follows the recent appointment of Malcolm Wilson as deputy president for sport, part of Ben Sulayem’s broader strategy to strengthen the FIA leadership amid personnel changes during his presidency.
