In the latest major development, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is facing fresh allegations of bullying and sexism. These allegations are levied by a former Toto Wolff aide, Shaila-Ann Rao, who worked as the former interim secretary general for motorsport in the FIA.
This report emerges a few months after Ben Sulayem was accused of passing sexist comments on an archived website. As quoted by The Times, this website shockingly stated that Ben Sulayem does not like “women who think they are smarter than men, for they are not in truth”.
FIA President faces fresh allegations over bullying and sexism by former Toto Wolff aide
According to the Telegraph, Toto Wolff’s former aide Shaila-Ann Rao has sent a letter that contains ‘numerous instances of sexist behavior’ by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The report states that these allegations were never investigated.
The report further adds that witnesses saw Ben Sulayem shouting at Rao in the F1 paddock and referring to her as ‘that woman’. It remains to be seen whether these claims would now be investigated or once again ignored.
The appointment of Rao to the FIA has always been controversial as she previously worked as Wolff’s special advisor. It is this reason also why most people have been hesitant to take Rao’s allegations seriously.
Fans react as Mohammed Ben Sulayem faces new allegations
Fans have given divided reactions after FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem was again accused of sexism and bullying. Some fans have sided with Ben Sulayem by suggesting that Shaila-Ann Rao is falsely accusing the FIA President because of her previous connection with Toto Wolff.
Meanwhile, there were also a few that sided with Rao by pointing out that Ben Sulayem has been accused of being a sexist previously also. Several fans that sided with Rao stated that the FIA President must be sacked as he is unfit for the job.
