FIA chief denies sexism accusations and claims he faced ‘inhuman’ smear campaign

The 62-year-old Emirati vehemently denied claims of misogyny and said he had been the target of an “inhuman” smear campaign.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem arriving at the British Grand Prix. Pic: Tim Goode/PA

Formula One boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem has defended historic sexist remarks on his personal website in which he allegedly said he does “not like women who think they are smarter than men” – and revealed that he was subjected to a racist slur as he campaigned to become FIA president.

In a PA news agency interview, the 62-year-old Emirati – elected to the biggest job in motor sport in December 2021 – vehemently denied claims of misogyny and said he had been the target of an “inhuman” smear campaign.