Ben Sulayem defends former Mercedes FIA lawyer Rao

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has defended Shaila-Ann Rao – the former Mercedes Formula 1 lawyer – after she left her position at the governing body.

Rao left her post as Interim Secretary General earlier this week after the end of the season, having been appointed earlier in 2022.

Her appointment was controversial following time spent as assistant to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, with Red Bull's Christian Horner questioning how Mercedes became aware of technical changes and the cost cap breach before they were publicly released.

However, Ben Sulayem has strongly defended Rao after her departure.

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Ben Sulayem defends Rao

"Shaila-Ann has been supportive of me and I see her intelligence when it comes [assisting] big decisions with me," he explained to media, including TheFOXposts.Com.

"I'll be very honest with you – and people can see how I defend my people – when it comes to Shaila-Ann and there were accusations in the news about her being a 'Mercedes supporter'.

"When the [Red Bull cost cap] penalties were [handed out], she said it was harsh.

"I looked at her and said: 'Oh my god.'

"[People] are accusing her of being with Mercedes and she is saying to me it is harsh on Red Bull."

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