Mohammed Ben Sulayem has served as FIA president since 2021.
Shaila-Ann Rao, a former high-ranking executive, has made an unexpected return to Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, just over two years after she previously departed.
Rao, who stepped down as interim secretary general in 2022 after six months in the post, has now been appointed as an adviser to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
A lawyer by profession, Rao previously served as general counsel for the Mercedes Formula 1 team and acted as a special adviser to team principal Toto Wolff before her initial stint with the FIA.
Her latest tenure with the FIA coincides with Ben Sulayem’s preparations to stand for re-election as FIA president in December.
It is understood that Ben Sulayem personally approached Rao to rejoin the organisation.
Rao’s return follows a period marked by several controversies involving Ben Sulayem throughout his three-year leadership.
Most recently, deputy president for sport Robert Reid resigned this month, citing concerns about governance and the overall direction of the FIA under Ben Sulayem.
On the same day, former chief executive Natalie Robyn broke her silence, having been dismissed last summer after 18 months in her role.
Robyn also publicly voiced concerns over Ben Sulayem’s leadership in comments to BBC Sport.
Rao’s new position commences on 1 May. According to an FIA statement, she will serve as a consultant, advising the FIA president “on a range of issues including regulatory and commercial matters related to the seven FIA World Championships.”
In the statement, Ben Sulayem remarked: “Shaila-Ann Rao has an exemplary track record in international motorsport and will be a significant asset to me and my team as we enhance the regulatory and commercial frameworks for all FIA World Championships, benefitting drivers, teams and FIA member clubs.”
“She will also advise on matters involving World Championship promoters.”
Rao added: “I am looking forward to supporting the FIA president across all World Championships and building on the progress achieved during his tenure to further strengthen the sport’s regulatory and commercial structures.
“The FIA occupies a pivotal role in global sport, and I am eager to contribute at this important time and help deliver an even stronger future for motorsport.”
BBC Sport has requested additional clarification regarding the circumstances around Rao’s appointment but has not yet received a response from the FIA.
Rao was not available for comment.