FIA responds to bullying allegations against Ben Sulyaem

40

The FIA has responded to accusations of bullying and sexism against its President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, saying that it has addressed the allegations "using robust and clear procedures" and due process.

According to a report from The Telegraph, charges of wrongdoing against Ben Sulayem were made by the FIA's former interim secretary general for motorsport, Shaila-Ann Rao, also a former personal advisor to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

The report claims that a letter sent by Rao accused the governing body's president of "numerous instances of sexist behaviour" that occurred before her departure from the FIA in November 2022.

The Telegraph states that Rao's claims were never investigated, while the report also notes that The Telegraph spoke to "FIA staff, elected officials, World Motor Sport Council members and stewards" who had witnessed "erratic and bullying behaviour behind the scenes".

It was reported that members of the FIA witnessed Ben Sulayem shouting at Rao in the Formula 1 paddock and referring to the secretary general as "that woman".

Read also: Ben Sulayem steps back from daily involvement with F1!

Responding to Rao's allegations and complaint, the FIA issued a statement in which it says that "due process was followed" regarding the specific claims.

"The FIA takes allegations of abuse very seriously and addresses all complaints using robust and clear procedures," said the institution.

"As part of this, the FIA has an anti-harassment policy, an anonymous whistleblowing facility and an investigation procedure and all staff are made aware of these through an induction and regular training.

"With regards to the specific allegations surrounding Shaila-Ann Rao, due process was followed, with an amicable negotiation conducted by the President of the Senate and as such, no referrals were made to the Ethics Committee.

"As previously stated, both parties agreed she would leave her position in November 2022 and mutual privacy terms were agreed as is common business practice.

"With regards to the other allegations, there have been no complaints received against the President."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.