Shaila-Ann Rao has made a surprise return to the International Automobile Federation (FIA) as Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s adviser.
Confirmed:
- Rao returns to the FIA just before Ben Sulayem runs for a second term as president
- Ben Sulayem says Rao will support governing body’s efforts to “improve the regulatory and commercial frameworks” across FIA championships
Context:
Rao has served two spells at the FIA, having been the organisation’s legal director between 2016 and 2018 before her brief stint as interim secretary general for motorsport. She then served as general counsel at the Mercedes Formula One team, before becoming a special adviser to their chief executive and team principal Toto Wolff.
At the time of her departure from the FIA in November 2022, The Telegraph reported that Rao sent a letter alleging numerous instances of sexist behaviour from Ben Sulayem before she left. Allegedly, these claims were never investigated. However, the FIA later told the BBC that ‘due process was followed’ after the accusations.
The return of Rao follows Robert Reid’s exit as deputy president for sport after he had a number of disagreements with Ben Sulayem in the months leading up to his resignation, which came after Motorsport UK chair David Richards also accused the FIA of a “shift in moral compass”.
Race director Niels Wittich and chief executive Natalie Robyn have headlined a raft of high-profile exits from the FIA in the past two years. Now, Ben Sulayem also has the power to judge ethics complaints against himself, which some have argued sets a worrying precedence for the organisation’s future governance.
In her first interview since leaving the FIA in May 2024, Robyn told BBC Sport that the governing body has “serious ongoing structural challenges” and said recent developments “threaten both the credibility and the long-term effectiveness of an important institution”.
Comment:
“Shaila-Ann Rao has an exceptional record in global motorsport 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,” said Ben Sulayem.
“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.”
Coming next:
Rao will assist Ben Sulayem in regulatory and commercial matters, as well as ensuring the Emirati is successful in his bid to remain president of the FIA.
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