FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem under fire again: Accused of sexism and bullying

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the FIA, (the governing body of Formula 1) has not been investigated regarding the allegations, which has resulted in criticism.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem via Businesslend

Mohammed Ben Sulayem took over the role of President of the FIA post-December 2021, replacing Jean Todt. Sulayem took over the role following the controversy at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He has endured a strained relationship with Formula One, with controversial decisions ranging from Lewis Hamilton’s jewelry to the extent drivers are allowed to express themselves about sensitive issues.

Sulayem has been accused of sexism and bullying by his former interim secretary general Shaila-Ann Rao. In a letter to the FIA in December, she alleged a number of instances where her ex-employer subjected her to sexist behavior. However, the matter was not investigated. This would be concerning to many people. The Telegraph also says that many other people, including elected officials, and stewards, also ‘painted a picture’ of bullying and erratic behavior behind the scenes.

When asked for a comment, an FIA spokesperson simply stated: “Shaila-Ann Rao was a temporary director at the FIA from June 1 2022 and then became interim secretary general for motor sport. In Nov 2022 it was decided by both parties that she would leave that position. Mutual privacy terms have been agreed as is commonplace in business. Neither party has made a reference to the FIA Ethics Committee.”

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The Emirati has already been subject to sexism allegations this year, with reports claiming he wrote on his website that he did “not like women who think they are smarter than men… for they are not, in truth”. The FIA chose to respond by saying they did not share his beliefs, absolving themselves of any involvement in his ideologies. Rao has declined to comment any further, with Sulayem yet to face consequences.

Multiple sources support Rao’s allegations against Mohammed Ben Sulayem

Mohammed Ben Sulayem via Thüringer Allgemeine

As reported by the Telegraph, Shaila-Ann Rao’s allegations have been backed up. Several sources have stated that she experienced feelings of humiliation due to the treatment she received. According to a colleague, Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s behavior towards her was akin to ‘gaslighting’, and it had an adverse impact on her health. He was also witnessed shouting at her at the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix.

One source said: “He was very condescending to her, I’ve had team principals call me who said ‘You should have seen how he treated Shaila-Ann’ and it was in front of other people. He would have a go at her in a very unqualified manner. That’s how he was. Shaila-Ann dared to say no in front of other people which seemed to trigger his behavior.”

? | BREAKING : FIA president Ben Sulayem is facing allegations of bullying and sexism

FIA's former interim secretary general Shaila-Ann Rao made the claims in a letter but were never investigated.

He was once shouting at her and referred to her as "that woman"

[@Telegraph] pic.twitter.com/Nsrw1f2xYi
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) April 25, 2023

Some have defended Ben Sulayem, using his cultural background to justify him as being merely blunt, and not sexist. Other sources argued this and said: “Yes, he is from a very conservative culture but that doesn’t make it acceptable. Bullying may not be something he does exclusively to women, but when he does it to women it says something about him.”

Following notable controversies, Ben Sulayem has taken a step back from trying to assert his authority. This season he has maintained a low profile, being absent in Jeddah and Melbourne. He also chose to skip the F1 commission meetings. However, he is expected to be present at the paddock for the upcoming race weekend in Baku. This is not the first instance of a high authority figure (related to Formula 1) being accused of sexism, however.

https://twitter.com/racebuildup/status/1650876986649374721

Bernie Ecclestone, the former CEO of Formula 1, has made controversial comments about women in the past. In 2005, he made a comment suggesting that women drivers would not be taken seriously in F1. In 2017, he made another comment regarding women’s ability to drive in Saudi Arabia, which was also seen as sexist. These comments were widely criticized and sparked discussions about sexism in F1. Now that the allegations have been made public, it’ll be interesting to see how the outrage affects Ben Sulayem’s future with the FIA.