This season, the Formula One regulatory body has been in the news numerous times as new President Mohammed Ben Sulayem adjusts to the organization’s management with FIA now letting go off Shaila Ann Rao
Following the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP, Ben Sulayem fired F1 race director Michael Massi under pressure from Mercedes and replaced him with alternates Eduardo Freitas and Neils Wittich. These appointments have drawn criticism from both teams and drivers, who feel that F1 race control is becoming too unpredictable.
Alleged FIA Mole And Ex-Mercedes Employee Shaila Ann Rao Let Go
Eduardo Freitas was suspended for the rest of the season because it was decided to use a tractor at the rain-soaked Japanese GP to collect Carlos Sainz’s vehicle while the circuit was still open.
The FIA is prone to controversy
On this year’s controversy-filled FIA, the secretary general for motorsport Peter Bayer was replaced, which caused some worry in the pit lane. Toto Wolff’s personal advisor Shaila-Ann Rao worked for Mercedes AMG F1 as legal counsel.
When asked about the appointment by the media at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Ferrari manager Mattia Binotto said that they loved the partnership with Peter. He was always very open, fair to all teams, and logical in his approach to the themes and the subject. He undoubtedly possessed a wealth of knowledge and skills.
FIA has undergone a new organisational structure or reorganisation. The incoming president must proceed and select his own staff. They also totally appreciate the decisions made.
Ferrari’s CEO is concerned.
Binotto’s amazement at Toto’s special advisor’s appointment to the F1 governing body was evident. Regarding Shaila-worry, Ann’s is undoubtedly a worry. It is their responsibility to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest at all and to act appropriately. The president is responsible for making sure of it.
As soon as Mercedes showed up at the Canadian GP with a modified floor for the W13, the first worry swiftly turned into suspicion. It added a second stay to stabilise roll, which was a particular threat to the Mercedes car.
A first peek at the technical guidance from Mercedes
Helmut Marko, a consultant for Red Bull, charged Mercedes with knowing about a new FIA technical directive before it was released the night before the teams arrived in Montreal.
Marko contended that Mercedes must have received information about the extreme bounce from someone inside the FIA. Between the release of the FIA technical directive and the arrival of the teams for the Canadian GP, Mercedes would not have been able to design, produce, and transport the component.
An ex-employee of Mercedes as an FIA mole?
The FIA may indeed have a “mole” at the Singapore Grand Prix, the finger of suspicion said. The news that Red Bull Racing had been found in violation of the 2021 financial limits spread across the paddock despite Formula One’s governing body being almost three months late with its conclusions about the 2021 cost cap and having made no formal declaration.
The most outspoken on the subject was Toto Wolff, who accused Red Bull Racing of unfairly acquiring a “huge” advantage and, implicitly, of cheating. The charges made in Singapore were tremendously disappointing for every single member of staff, all our partners, and everyone involved inside Red Bull,” said angry Red Bull CEO Christian Horner of the leak. Any kind of leaking is obviously very concerning.
FIA declare Rao’s departure from her position
After five months on the job, Shaila-Ann Rao is leaving, according to the FIA. The FIA has a challenging task ahead of it and will be undergoing change for some time. The alleged “mole” has departed the scene, which is good news for Red Bull and those who were worried about her hiring.