FIA announces organizational changes with the arrival of Shaila-Ann Rao
Formula One's Paris-based governing body, the FIA has announced that FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has appointed Shaila-Ann Rao as a Presidential Advisor.
Having previously filled two positions for the FIA, Rao has returned as presidential advisor to Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The governing body has revealed that 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."
Rao previously worked for the FIA as legal director between 2016-2018 and as interim secretary general for motorsport for a five-month spell in 2022. She commenced her role on the 1st of May 2025.
Rao is a dual qualified lawyer, being both an English Solicitor and a French Lawyer admitted to the Paris Bar, and has significant experience in global motor sport having.
Before her position as the Interim FIA Secretary General for Motor Sport and as FIA Legal Director, she also worked as General Counsel for the Mercedes F1 Team and as Special Advisor to its CEO & Team Principal, Toto Wolff.
The FIA noted: "Ms Rao’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the FIA, as the Federation continues its successful organisational transformation and financial reform, reflected in forecasted 2024 operation results of € 2.2m in contrast to the -€ 24m that was inherited in 2021."
Commenting on the announcement, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “I am delighted to welcome back Shaila-Ann Rao to the FIA.
"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.”
Speaking of her appointment, Shaila-Ann Rao stated: “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.”
