Former senior director Shaila-Ann Rao has received a surprise return from Formula 1's governing body for more than two years after his departure.

Rao, who left his post as interim secretary-general after six months in 2022, has been appointed as an advisor to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Rao is a lawyer who was general counsel to Mercedes Formula One team before joining the FIA ​​and special counsel to owner Toto Wolff.

Rao returns to the FIA ​​as Ben Sulayem prepares to run for his second term in the FIA ​​presidential election in December.

The UAE and Rao personally contacted the return organization.

Rao's reappointment also came after a series of controversies that affected Ben Sulayem, who served in the presidency for three years.

The latest is the resignation of this month’s vice president of sports, Robert Reid, who expressed concern about the direction of governance of the FIA ​​under Ben Sulayem.

On the same day, the former CEO Natalie Robyn broke the silence that has been silent since he was asked to leave the organization just 18 months later last summer.

Robin also expressed concern about Ben Sulayem's leadership work in his speech to the BBC Sport.

Rao will start working on May 1. The FIA ​​statement said her role will be an advisor, who will advise the FIA ​​president on a range of issues including regulatory and commercial affairs related to the seven FIA World Championships. ”

Ben Sulayem said in a statement: “Shaila-Ann Rao has an excellent track record in Global Motorsport, which will be a huge asset for me and my team as we continue to improve the regulatory and business framework for all FIA world champions, thus benefiting our drivers, teams, teams and FIA member clubs.

“She will also advise on matters related to all FIA World Championship facilitators.”

Rao said: “I look forward to advising the FIA ​​President at the FIA ​​World Championships and have made significant progress during his presidency, thus strengthening the tournament’s regulatory and business framework.

“The FIA ​​has a unique position in global sports and I am pleased to support the FIA ​​at present and help the FIA ​​President bring a stronger future to motorsports.”

The BBC Sport has asked for further explanations about the recruitment of mines, but the FIA ​​has not responded.

Rao cannot comment.