FIA announce surprise return for major figure ahead of Miami G… read more
In a surprising turn of events just ahead of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, the FIA has announced the return of Shaila-Ann Rao to its ranks. Rao, a prominent figure within the world of motorsport governance, is set to rejoin the FIA as a Presidential Advisor to Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the current FIA President. Her appointment marks a significant development, especially considering her previous exit from the organization at the end of 2022 following a brief but impactful tenure as interim Secretary General for Motorsport.
Rao is no stranger to the FIA, having previously served as the legal director of the governing body from 2016 to 2018. Her deep understanding of the regulatory and commercial frameworks that underpin international motorsport has made her a well-known and occasionally polarizing figure. After her initial stint at the FIA, she joined Mercedes’ Formula 1 team, where she gained further insight into the competitive and operational side of the sport. Her time at Mercedes became a talking point in 2022 when she was involved in the FIA’s cost cap investigation into Red Bull Racing, a period that attracted both scrutiny and acclaim. Following that high-profile investigation, Rao announced her departure from the FIA, and many in the paddock believed it marked the end of her tenure within the sport’s governance structure.
However, in a statement released on May 1, 2025, the FIA confirmed that Rao would return to a newly defined role. “FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has appointed Shaila-Ann Rao as a Presidential Advisor,” the official release read. “Ms Rao will provide advice to the FIA President on a range of issues including regulatory and commercial matters related to the seven FIA World Championships. She will commence her role on 1st May 2025.”
The announcement has sparked widespread discussion, not just because of Rao’s past affiliation with Mercedes and the controversy that surrounded her role in the 2022 cost cap saga, but also due to the timing of her return. With the FIA continuing its internal transformation, both financially and structurally, her reappointment is viewed as both strategic and symbolic. The organization reported a forecasted operational result of €2.2 million for 2024, a stark improvement from the €24 million deficit it inherited in 2021. Rao’s expertise is expected to be instrumental as the FIA continues this trajectory of reform and stabilization.
The FIA’s statement also emphasized Rao’s credentials, noting that she is a dual-qualified lawyer—an English Solicitor and a French Lawyer admitted to the Paris Bar. Her legal and regulatory background, combined with her direct experience in motorsport administration and team operations, positions her uniquely to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of global motorsport. Rao’s return comes as the FIA grapples with a variety of challenges, from refining its regulatory oversight to enhancing commercial viability across its championships.
President Ben Sulayem, who is approaching the end of his first term and will stand for re-election on December 17, 2025, praised the appointment. “I am delighted to welcome back Shaila-Ann Rao to the FIA,” he said. “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. She will also advise me on matters related to all the FIA World Championship promoters.”
Rao’s return may also signal a stabilizing effort within the FIA, which has faced a wave of high-profile resignations in recent years, including those in key positions such as F1’s race director. Ben Sulayem’s leadership has been marked by bold policy changes, including a clampdown on driver behavior and language, and has drawn both support and criticism from different corners of the sport.
As Rao steps into her new role, all eyes will be on the FIA to see how her influence shapes the next chapter of its governance. Her return not only revives discussions around transparency and accountability but also underscores the FIA’s commitment to drawing from experienced leadership as it prepares for future challenges. With her extensive background and the trust of the President, Shaila-Ann Rao’s reappointment may prove to be a pivotal move in shaping the future direction of global motorsport under the FIA’s stewardship.
