Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the Formula One boss, has found himself at the center of controversy due to historic sexist remarks attributed to him on his personal website. In these remarks, he allegedly stated that he does not like women who think they are smarter than men. However, Ben Sulayem vehemently denies claims of misogyny and considers himself the victim of an “inhuman” smear campaign.
During an interview with the PA news agency, the 62-year-old FIA president defended his past comments, emphasizing that they do not reflect his current beliefs. He clarified that the statement on his old website expressed his disdain for when women believe they are intellectually superior to men, emphasizing that he did not claim men to be smarter or women to be less intelligent. Despite the controversy surrounding these remarks, Ben Sulayem highlighted his efforts in promoting equality and diversity within the sport. He proudly mentioned appointing a female CEO, Natalie Robyn, and his establishment of the commission for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), where he brought in a woman advisor, Tanya Kutsenko.
Ben Sulayem also made an intriguing comparison between Lewis Hamilton’s contentious championship defeat in 2021 and England’s victorious 1966 World Cup final against West Germany. He drew parallels to the controversial ‘offside’ goal scored by Sir Geoff Hurst, suggesting that Michael Masi, the individual accused of denying Hamilton his eighth world title, could potentially make a return to the sport. This statement showcases Ben Sulayem’s belief in the possibility of redemption and the ability for individuals to make amends.
It is worth noting that Ben Sulayem faced further challenges during his tenure as F1 boss. He relinquished the day-to-day running of the sport in February after clashing with Liberty Media, the sport’s American owners, over various matters such as the introduction of an 11th team and the valuation of Formula One. Additionally, he endured personal tragedy when his son, Saif, tragically passed away in a road traffic accident in Dubai.
Furthermore, allegations of sexist behavior surfaced when Shaila-Ann Rao, the FIA’s former interim secretary-general for motorsport, accused Ben Sulayem of discriminatory conduct. Ben Sulayem refuted these allegations, stating that Shaila-Ann Rao was among the applicants for the position of CEO and that he insisted on an impartial selection process. He even shared a WhatsApp message from Rao as evidence of their positive interactions during the Italian Grand Prix.
Throughout the interview, Ben Sulayem repeatedly expressed his frustration with the accusations against him and appealed for face-to-face confrontation to address these allegations directly. He firmly believed that the attacks he faced were inhumane, especially considering the personal tragedy he had experienced.
As the interview concluded, Ben Sulayem reflected on the challenges he has faced and the criticism he has endured. He acknowledged that he is being targeted for doing what he believes is right for the sport and recounted instances of discrimination he had encountered during his campaign for FIA president. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his role, emphasizing the need to concentrate on the shared passion for motorsport and working towards its improvement.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s previous sexist remarks have caused considerable controversy. While he denies any misogynistic intentions, he recognizes the need for clarification and understanding. Through his actions and initiatives, he aims to promote equality and diversity within motorsport. However, he also faces other challenges and accusations that he vehemently denies. Amidst it all, Ben Sulayem remains determined to continue his work in the best interests of the sport, focusing on his dedication to improving motorsport for all involved.
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