One of the leading figures at F1’s governing body, the FIA, has left after just six months in the post.
Shaila-Ann Rao’s spell as interim secretary general has ended just days after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It is believed she stepped down of her own accord.
Her role had courted controversy among certain teams on the Formula One, grid having moved to the FIA from a role as special adviser to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff in June.
Rao was said to have been central in the technical directives that were put in place during the season to address the issue of porpoising.
She was also the FIA figure who delivered the news to Red Bull boss Christian Horner that the team had broken the budget cap for last season.
In a statement, FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem said: “On behalf of everyone at the FIA, I would like to thank Shaila-Ann for her invaluable contribution in her role as interim secretary general for motorsport during an important transitional phase for the organisation.
“In particular, Shaila-Ann has provided me with great support in respect to Formula 1, always acting with professionalism and integrity.”
