- Wolff was investigated for an alleged conflict of interest with her husband
- Investigation was made public, but concluded 48 hours later
- FIA boss Ben Sulayem also cleared of interfering with Saudi Arabia and Las Vegas races
Susie Wolff has filed a criminal complaint against the International Automobile Federation (FIA) over a controversial inquiry into her last year.
The F1 Academy boss and her husband, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, were the subject of an investigation into claims of an alleged conflict of interest.
The probe arose in December after a report in Business F1 magazine claimed that other team principals were concerned Toto Wolff was benefiting from information shared by his wife.
Two days after the FIA announced its compliance department was “looking into” the allegations, the federation said it “can confirm that there is no ongoing investigation in terms of ethical or disciplinary inquiries involving any individual”.
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At the time, Susie Wolff vehemently denied the allegations – calling them “intimidatory and misogynistic”.
And on 20th March, Wolff wrote on social media: ‘I can confirm that I personally filed a criminal complaint in the French courts on the 4th of March in relation to the statements made about me by the FIA last December.
‘There has still not been any transparency or accountability in relation to the conduct of the FIA and its personnel in this matter.
‘I feel more than ever it is important to stand up, call out improper behaviour and make sure people are held to account. Whilst some may think silence absolves them from responsibility – it does not.’
— Susie Wolff (@Susie_Wolff) March 20, 2024
Meanwhile, the FIA has cleared its president Mohammed Ben Sulayem of claims he interfered with Formula One races in Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia last season.
It was claimed the 62-year-old had asked stewards not to penalise Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, while a whistleblower claimed the Emirati asked officials not to certify the circuit in Las Vegas.
‘Concerns over potential interference were brought to the attention of the FIA compliance officer and subsequently passed to the FIA Ethics Committee,’ said the FIA in a statement.
‘After reviewing the results of the inquiries, the Ethics Committee were unanimous in their determination that there was no evidence to substantiate allegations of interference of any kind involving the FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.’
BlackBook says…
Relations between Formula One and its governing body have never been so fraught, and this latest development is significant.
The FIA’s decision to go public with the original investigation despite flimsy supporting evidence was unbecoming of an international governing body. Wolff’s decision to file a criminal complaint ensures there are consequences for this misstep.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has come out in support of Wolff, even going as far as comparing the situation to Red Bull’s ongoing controversy concerning Christian Horner.
Hamilton said: “Hopefully, this stand that she’s taken now will create change, have a positive impact, and especially for women.
“We’re living in the time where the message is ‘If you file a complaint, you’ll be fired.’ That is a terrible narrative to be projecting to the world.
“So, especially when we’re talking about inclusivity here in the sport, we need to make sure that we’re staying true to the core values here.”