FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem accused of sexism and bullying:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula...n-sulayem-fia-sexism-bullying-shaila-ann-rao/
"... Telegraph Sport can reveal that Shaila-Ann Rao, the former interim secretary general for motorsport, sent a letter alleging numerous instances of sexist behaviour prior to her abrupt departure last December. The claims were never investigated.
Telegraph Sport has also spoken to dozens of current and former FIA staff, including elected officials, World Motor Sport Council members and stewards who likewise paint a picture of erratic and bullying behaviour behind the scenes.
The fact that Rao’s allegations were not investigated will be a concern for many. Rao declined to comment when contacted but Telegraph Sport heard about the letter from multiple sources. It is understood it was sent to Ben Sulayem and to Carmelo Sanz de Barros, the president of the FIA Senate. ...
Ben Sulayem was seen by witnesses shouting at Rao in the FIA’s paddock home at last year’s Belgian Grand Prix. Other sources say they have heard him refer to her as “that woman”.
“He was very condescending to her,” said one. “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 behaviour.” ...
A number of sources say she felt “humiliated” by her treatment. One colleague described Ben Sulayem’s behaviour as akin to “gaslighting her” and believed it had an impact on her health. Some of those who spoke to Telegraph Sport defended Ben Sulayem, insisting he was not sexist, merely blunt. “You have to remember he comes from a very different culture,” said one.
Others said that was no excuse. “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.”
...
Others spoke about Ben Sulayem’s temper, his dismissive treatment of “underlings”, his “autocratic style of governance” and his clumsy handling of politicised issues such as the budget cap, the jewellery ban, or drivers’ freedom of speech. Again, his Emirati background was brought up in mitigation.
“There is cultural pressure on him, I think as an Emirati, on issues such as women and LGBTQ,” said one source. “But I don’t think he disagrees with those very traditional, conservative views. The FIA dressed up [the rules on political messaging] as falling in line with the Olympic charter but that’s bull----. They reflect his beliefs.”
The sudden sacking of Gwen Bourcier, the FIA’s former Head of Operations and F2 race director, last summer, allegedly over the use of Ben Sulayem’s offices at races when the FIA president was not around, was brought up on more than one occasion. ..."
