FIA bids farewell to high-ranking board member effective immediately

The FIA has announced the departure of Peter Bayer, who will step down from his position as Secretary-General of Sport effective immediately. His temporary replacement has also already been announced: Shaila-Ann Rao will take over his position on an interim basis.

FIA bids farewell to Bayer

Bayer held the position of Secretary-General of Sport since 2017 and also took over Michael Masi's role as head of single-seaters, which includes Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3, at the end of 2021. After a major restructuring, he became Executive Director of Formula 1.

He also had to oversee the investigation into the events in Abu Dhabi, for which Masi was held responsible. The outcome of that investigation marked the end of Masi's career as a race director.

"The FIA thanks him warmly for his achievements in the development of motorsport over the past five years," reads the statement on the official website of the FIA. The organization points out that Bayer has been particularly committed to improving safety and sustainability in all disciplines. "The FIA wishes him all the best for the future," it adds.

FIA appoints former Mercedes advisor as a temporary replacement

His temporary replacement, Shaila-Ann Rao, held the position of legal director at the FIA from mid-2016 until the end of 2018, before working as general counsel for Mercedes' F1 team. Since January 2021, she had been working as a special advisor to team boss Toto Wolff.

Why Bayer is leaving with immediate effect is still unknown, but the news comes amid speculation about friction between the FIA and Formula One.