F1: FIA President is facing allegations of bullying and sexism (Update)

The FIA says “due process was followed” in the departure of Shaila-Ann Rao after sexism allegations emerged against its president.

Responding to a series of questions from BBC Sport about the specific allegations and Ben Sulayem’s wider behavior arising from the report, the FIA said in a statement: “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.”

Referring to wider allegations of bullying and abusive behavior by Ben Sulayem, the statement said: “There have been no complaints received against the president.”

“The FIA takes allegations of abuse very seriously and addresses all complaints using robust and clear procedures.

“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.”

It is understood that following key absences recently, including Tuesday’s F1 Commission meeting, Ben Sulayem will be in Baku this weekend.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

In January, reports emerged of alleged historical sexist comments made by Ben Sulayem earlier in his career.

At the time, the FIA responded: “The remarks in this archived website from 2001 do not reflect the FIA President’s beliefs.

“He has a strong record on promoting women and equality in sport, which he is happy to be judged on.”

Now more trouble.

According to The Telegraph, allegations of bullying and sexism have been made by the FIA’s former interim secretary general for motorsport Shaila-Ann Rao.

The report states that a letter sent by Rao contains “numerous instances of sexist behavior” which took place prior to her leaving the role in December 2022.

It is also reported that the claims were never investigated, and that Telegraph Sport spoke to individuals – including ‘FIA staff, elected officials, World Motor Sport Council members and stewards’ – who allude to “erratic and bullying behavior behind the scenes”.

Rao had declined to comment on the reports, and an FIA spokesperson told RacingNews365.com: “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.”

In January, reports emerged of alleged historical sexist comments made by Ben Sulayem earlier in his career.

At the time, the FIA responded: “The remarks in this archived website from 2001 do not reflect the FIA President’s beliefs.

“He has a strong record on promoting women and equality in sport, which he is happy to be judged on.”