Susie Wolff has hit back furiously after the FIA opened an investigation into her and her husband Toto Wolff about complaints of a potential conflict of interest from rival F1 team principals.
Ex-Williams test driver Wolff, 41, is the managing director of the all-female racing series F1 Academy and reports directly to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Concerns had been raised by rival teams that her husband, the boss of the Mercedes team, had access to confidential information from F1’s hierarchy and, in turn, that she would have knowledge of private team principal meetings.
Wolff reacted angrily to a statement yesterday in which F1’s governing body said: “The FIA is aware of media speculation centred on the allegation of information of a confidential nature being passed to a team principal from a member of FOM [Formula 1 Management] personnel. The FIA compliance department is looking into the matter.”
Late last night, she responded on social media: “I am deeply insulted but sadly unsurprised by the public allegations that have been made this evening. 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. In the strongest possible terms, I reject these allegations.”
Her position was backed by both F1 and also Mercedes in their own respective statements.
Mercedes said: “We note the generic statement from the FIA this evening, which responds to unsubstantiated allegations from a single media outlet and the off-record briefing which has linked it to the team principal of Mercedes-AMG F1.
“The team has received no communication from the FIA compliance department on this topic and it was highly surprising to learn of the investigation through the media statement.”
Meanwhile, Formula 1 said: “We note the public statement made by the FIA this evening that was not shared with us in advance. 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.”
