FIA Appoints Shaila-Ann Rao as Presidential Advisor
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has officially appointed Shaila-Ann Rao as a presidential advisor, effective May 1, 2025. Rao, previously the FIA’s legal director from 2016 to 2018 and interim secretary general in 2022, returns following her tenure at Mercedes, where she played a significant role in the cost cap investigation involving Red Bull Racing.
Rao’s new position will see her advising FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem on regulatory and commercial matters across all seven FIA World Championships. Ben Sulayem acknowledged Rao’s exceptional experience, asserting that her expertise will greatly benefit the FIA’s ongoing reforms and regulatory frameworks.
In a statement on her reappointment, Rao expressed her eagerness to contribute to the FIA’s continued evolution, emphasizing the federation’s unique status in global motorsport.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for the FIA, which is undergoing significant organizational transformation and financial recovery, with projected 2024 operational results indicating a surplus of €2.2 million, a marked improvement from the €24 million deficit in 2021.
Ben Sulayem, who has faced scrutiny for various governance issues and accusations of misconduct from previous staff, including Rao, is focused on strengthening the association amid rising tensions in the motorsport community.
Both Rao and Ben Sulayem highlight the importance of her role in enhancing the FIA’s strategic direction as it navigates complex regulatory landscapes and fosters the growth of motorsport globally.
