Rao to take over from FIA top offical Peter Bayer

Peter Bayer, top official with the FIA, has departed his various roles for Motor Sport and will be replaced by Shaila-Ann Rao.

Rao recently returned to the FIA after serving as their Legal Director between 2016 and 2018, left to work with Mercedes as General Counsel and Special Advisor to Toto Wolff.

Bayer served as Secretary General for Motor Sport and in 2021 his role was tweaked to become F1 Executive Director.

He joined the FIA in 2017 under Jean Todt’s regime.

His responsibilities included that of implementing decisions taken by the World Motor Sport Council, and he also worked closely with the various FIA Sporting Commissions.

"The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile announces the departure of Peter Bayer, who served as Secretary General for Sport since 2017 and also as F1 Executive Director since 2021," read a short statement from the governing body.

"The FIA warmly thanks him for the achievements he has contributed to the development of motorsport over the last five years.

"In particular, he has supervised, with the entire Sport Division, the building of the single-seater pyramid from Karting to F1, the creation of the new World Rally-Raid Championship, as well as improving safety and sustainability in all disciplines. The FIA wishes him all the best for the future."