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FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has defend ed Shaila-Ann Rao – the former Mercedes Formula 1 lawyer – after she left her position at the governing body. Rao left her post as Interim Secretary General earlier this week after the end of the season, having been appointed earlier in 2022. Her appointment was controversial following time spent as assistant to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, with Red Bull's Christian Horner questioning how Mercedes became aware of technical changes and the cost cap breach before they were publicly released. However, Ben Sulayem has strongly defend ed Rao after her departure. Viewed by others: Interview Max Verstappen Verstappen exclusive: It's like a marriage with race engineer Lambiase ...

Mohammed Ben Sulayem had backed Shaila-Ann Rao - the former Mercedes-linked Formula 1 lawyer who was FIA interim secretary-general - prior to her departure from the governing body that was announced five days ago. Rao had joined the FIA from Mercedes - where she has worked closely with team boss Toto Wolff in both head of legal and in advisory capacities. Initially joining as director in the office of the president, Rao later became replacement for Pet er Bayer - the previous secretary-general for sport. Crucially, her latter appointment was in an interim role. Her tenure was seen as controversial by some over perceived close links to Mercedes - with Red Bull's Christian Horner pointing out in Canada how 'one team' had arrived in Montreal with new parts in response to the FIA's attempts to combat porpoising before the relevant technical directive was published. However, speaking at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - while Rao was still in post as I-SG - President ...