Susie Wolff, Mercedes And F1 All Blast Allegations After FIA Launch Investigation

Posted on December 5, 2023 | by Charley Williams Earlier today, the FIA announced it was looking into an allegation of an alleged conflict of interest between an F1 team principal and a member of FOM personnel after concerns were raised over what information was being shared between the pair.  While the FIA has chosen not to name the pair, a recent unsubstantiated report from a media outlet claimed that it was Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff and F1 Academy boss Susie Wolff. The FIA’s statement said: “The FIA is aware of media speculation centred on the allegation of information of a confidential nature being passed to an F1 team principal from a member of FOM personnel.” Later this evening, The Race reported that Mercedes and F1 had released damning statements in response to the shock investigation, wholly denying the allegations. F1 said this statement given by the FIA “was not shared with us in advance” and continued: “We have complete confidence that the allegations are wrong, and we have robust processes and procedures that ensure the segregation of information and responsibilities in the event of any potential conflict of interest. “We are confident that no member of our team has made any unauthorised disclosure to a team principal and would caution anyone against making imprudent and serious allegations without substance.” Mercedes had a similar tone, “We wholly reject the allegation in the statement and associated media coverage, which wrongly impinges on the integrity and compliance. “As a matter of course, we invite full, prompt, and transparent correspondence from the FIA compliance department regarding this investigation and its contents” and agreed with F1 that this investigation was “highly surprising” having received “no communication from the FIA compliance department on this topic”. Susie Wolff has also issued a statement; she adds that she is: “deeply insulted but sadly unsurprised” by the allegations made, which she has rejected “in the strongest possible terms.” She says that it is “disheartening that my integrity is being called into question in such a manner, especially when it seems to be rooted in intimidatory and misogynistic behaviour, and focused on my marital status rather than my abilities. “Throughout my career in motorsport, I have encountered and overcome numerous obstacles, and I refuse to let these baseless allegations overshadow my dedication and passion for F1 Academy. “As a woman in this sport, I have faced my fair share of challenges, but my commitment to breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations to succeed remains unwavering.”