Shock FIA return: Shaila-Ann Rao named special advisor to MBS

In a move few saw coming, former interim FIA secretary general Shaila-Ann Rao is making a surprising return to Formula 1’s governing body — and this time, she’s stepping even closer to the top.

The FIA confirmed on Wednesday that Rao has been appointed as a special advisor to president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a decision that raises eyebrows not only for her controversial exit but also for its timing amid major institutional reforms.

This marks Rao’s third stint at the FIA and comes less than two years after her sudden departure and reported tensions with Ben Sulayem himself — tensions that included allegations of sexism and bullying according to The Daily Telegraph at the time.

Against that backdrop, her appointment is nothing short of astonishing.

A Familiar Face in a New Role

Shaila-Ann Rao’s FIA journey has come full circle. After first serving as the body’s legal director from 2016 to 2018, she left to join Mercedes where she became general counsel and later a special advisor to team boss Toto Wolff.

She returned to the FIA in 2022 as interim secretary general for motorsport, but left just six months into the role.

Despite the brevity of her last tenure and the storm clouds surrounding her departure, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem now hails her as a key asset in the federation’s future.

“I am delighted to welcome back Shaila-Ann Rao to the FIA,” said Ben Sulayem.

“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 benefiting our drivers, teams and FIA Member Clubs.

"She will also advise me on matters related to all the FIA World Championship promoters.”

The FIA’s official statement added that Rao’s appointment “comes at a pivotal time for the FIA,” highlighting that the institution is forecasting a €2.2 million operational surplus for 2024 – a dramatic turnaround from the €24 million deficit Ben Sulayem says he inherited in 2021.

Rao Breaks Her Silence

Rao herself issued a composed statement following the announcement, striking a tone of professionalism and optimism.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

While the public-facing comments are all about continuity and progress, the move will undoubtedly reignite discussion in the paddock and beyond about the inner workings of the FIA – and how trust, politics, and power dynamics continue to shape the sport behind the scenes.

Rao begins her new role on May 1, just in time for the start of one of the most commercially and politically active stretches of the F1 calendar.

Whether her presence will bring further transformation or more turbulence remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: few predicted this comeback.

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