The FIA has parted ways with its interim secretary general Shaila-Ann Rao after less than six months. She opted to take the new role after leaving her post as special adviser to Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff.
This caused much controversy within F1 ranks, especially Ferrari and Red Bull and she was at the centre of the controversy over Red Bull breaching F1's budget cap regulations in 2021. Team principal Christian Horner said it was Rao who informed him Red Bull were in breach of the financial regulations shortly after Max Verstappen clinched his second world title.
BBC Sport sources claim the decision to leave the job was hers, as it did not meet her expectations. However, it had also been said she was leaving because "this period is now coming to an end".
In a statement issued by the FIA today, it was confirmed that Rao had left her position after working with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem during his first year in the role. "Shaila-Ann Rao returned to the FIA to assist the new Presidential Team during the transition period as Interim Secretary General for Motor Sport,” it read.
“Shaila-Ann successfully managed this transition period, providing valuable support and assistance to the FIA President and the organisation during this period which is now coming to an end. Shaila-Ann will now therefore be leaving the FIA following the end of the Formula 1 Season. The FIA thanks Shaila-Ann for her support during this period.”
F1 president Mohammed Ben Sulayem was asked about Rao's future at last weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He hinted that she would be leaving the FIA, by saying: "Her position is interim secretary general. What does interim mean?" But he added: "Shaila-Ann has been supportive a lot to me and I see her intelligence on big decisions. I will defend my people.
"When it comes to Shaila-Ann, there was an accusation that she is mainly a supporter of Mercedes. Actually, when the penalties were there, she said: 'It's a bit harsh.' And I said: 'My God, there is someone accusing her of being with Mercedes and she's saying to me that it's harsh.'"
Now her departure has been confirmed, Sulayem released a statement which read: “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 Motor Sport 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."
