FIA welcomes back familiar name to president advisor role

The FIA has announced the appointment of Shaila-Ann Rao to the role of presidential advisor.

Rao has worked with the FIA in the past, having held the position of interim secretary general in 2022 for six months before departing the organisation.

However, she has now returned and will provide advice to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem on a range of issues, including regulatory and commercial matters that cover the world championships.

Rao will begin her role on May 1. Prior to her most recent FIA experience, she previously worked as general counsel for the Mercedes F1 team and as special advisor to its team principal, Toto Wolff.

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

Rao added: “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. 

“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.”