Yet another move by Mohammed Ben Sulayem: the FIA welcomes back a familiar face. Shaila-Ann Rao returns to the FIA as Presidential Advisor to Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

The FIA once again welcomes Shaila-Ann Rao: the lawyer, who has previously worked with both the Federation and Mercedes, will now serve as an advisor to Ben Sulayem.

“The FIA announces today that its President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has appointed Shaila-Ann Rao as Presidential Advisor.” With these words, the Federation opened the official statement confirming the lawyer’s return to the FIA ranks.

FIA President Ben Sulayem also personally welcomed the lawyer via his social media platforms. “I’m happy to welcome Shaila back to the FIA,” wrote the Emirati. “She has had a brilliant career in motorsport and will be a great help to me and my team as we continue improving the regulatory and commercial framework across all FIA championships.”

As announced by the 63-year-old from Dubai, Shaila-Ann Rao will advise Mohammed Ben Sulayem on the regulatory and commercial structure of all the Federation’s world championships.

The new FIA Presidential Advisor will officially take office on May 1, 2025.

Who is Shaila-Ann Rao, the new FIA advisor
“Ms. Rao holds dual legal qualifications as both an English and French lawyer. She is registered with the Paris Bar,” the statement reads. “She has significant experience in global motorsport. She previously served as the FIA’s Interim Secretary General (in 2022) and as FIA Legal Director (from 2016 to 2018).”

Shaila-Ann Rao hasn’t only served within the International Federation. Her résumé also includes a stint under Toto Wolff’s leadership. From 2018 to 2022, she held various roles at Mercedes, including Special Advisor and General Legal Counsel.

Shaila-Ann Rao’s comments following her appointment by Ben Sulayem
Upon being appointed by the FIA President, lawyer Shaila-Ann Rao commented on the upcoming role: “I look forward to beginning my work as advisor to the President of the Federation for all seven FIA world championships.”

“I’m eager to build on the significant progress already made during President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s tenure, further strengthening the regulatory and commercial frameworks of the championships,” she explained. “The FIA holds a unique position in global sport. I’m excited to support the Federation at this time and help the President build an even stronger future for motorsport.”