“She is a guarantee for that” : Toto Wolff doesn’t seem to have an issue with former Mercedes advisor taking a role in the FIA
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Toto Wolff
There is no allegation of a conflict of interest in Shaila-Ann Rao’s hiring, according to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Wolff sees no issue with the former Mercedes advisor now working for the FIA.
Rao quickly took over for Peter Bayer in his capacity as the FIA’s Secretary General for Autosport. Thus, a crucial position inside F1’s governing board has been occupied, however not all teams are delighted about this. For instance, Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto was uneasy about Rao’s former employer.
Toto Wolff gives his take on Shaila-Ann Rao
Shaila-Ann prior to this position served as Wolff’s personal advisor at Mercedes. The other teams are not particularly pleased to note that someone in a senior position at the FIA has recently left Mercedes as a result of this. However, Wolff does not comprehend the argument.
”I think my opinion about Shaila-Ann in terms of integrity and transparency, she is a lawyer, this is what she stands for and I think it is important.We have had too many controversies in the past where things were not out in the open that should have been and she is a guarantee for that,” said Wolff.
The Mercedes team principal appears to be alluding to the errors he thinks were committed at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by doing so, and not for the first time. Former FIA race director Michael Masi’s application of the rules caused 7-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton to lose the world championship to Max Verstappen at that time. Wolff hopes that his former advisor won’t let this occur again.
Also Read: “Maybe one day, he’ll feel like explaining” : Mark Hughes awaits Max Verstappen revelation
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Rishika Saha
(445 Articles Published)