Like a bolt from the blue. The issue around Toto and Susie Wolff begins to heat up, following survey opened by the FIA for a possible conflict of interest. The site launched the indiscretion, which was later confirmed by a press release from the Federation itself Business F1. Various parties were involved. On the one hand there is the FIA, followed by family Wolff, with Toto and Susie, and the F1 which, in all of this, has declared itself not aware of the Federation's press release.
The FIA opens a conflict of interest investigation between Toto and Susie Wolff
Let's go, therefore, in order. Through the rumors spread by Business F1, an investigation would have been opened into Toto Wolff and Susie Wolff for a conflict of interest by the FIA. The reason seems to be very simple. It seems, in fact, that in the last council between team principals, Toto Wolff revealed some information that could only be known to the FOM. And it is precisely in this case that the figure of Susie comes into play. Susie, in fact, is CEO of the F1 Academy and wife of the Mercedes team principal.
FIA: “The Federation is aware of the situation”
Upon learning of this situation, the FIA immediately went on the attack with a statement in which it decided to open an investigation into the Wolff family, admitting that it was aware of the situation and was monitoring it with particular attention: "The FIA is aware of the speculation made and disseminated by various media outlets regarding the allegation of confidential information shared between a Formula 1 team principal and a member of Formula One Management. It can be guaranteed that at this time the 'Compliance' Department of the FIA is looking into the matter".
F1: “FIA investigation into Toto and Susie Wolff? We didn't know, maximum confidence"
A rather thorny situation, to which must also be added the position taken by F1 which, following the FIA press release, is declared completely unaware of the investigation initiated, guaranteeing maximum trust towards the Wolffs. “F1 takes note of the public statement released by the FIA, stating however that it was not shared with us in advance. F1, finally, announces that it is fully confident that the accusations have no basis whatsoever".
Mercedes as F1: “We were not aware of the investigation”
Obviously, following the news, the message also arrived promptly response from Mercedes"We noted the note published by the FIA, which takes into account the allegations made by a single media outlet. The team did not receive any communication from the FIA Compliance Department on the matter and was very surprised to learn of the investigation only through an official statement. We reject all the accusations present in the statement and spread by any media, which negatively impacts the integrity of our team principal. Of course, we invite the Federation department to provide us with full and clear correspondence regarding the investigation as soon as possible and its contents".
Susie Wolff: “I'm offended but not surprised”
Accusations also denied by Susie Wolff, who spoke on their social profiles: “I am deeply offense but not surprised by the public accusations that were made tonight. It is disheartening to have my integrity questioned in this way. The whole thing seems to be rooted in intimidating and misogynistic behavior and focused more on my marital status rather than my abilities. Throughout my motorsports career, I have encountered and overcome numerous obstacles. I refuse to let these unfounded accusations tarnish my dedication and passion for F1 Academy. As a woman in the sport, I have faced my fair share of challenges, but my commitment to breaking down barriers and paving the way for success for future generations remains unshakable. In the strongest possible terms, I reject these charges".
Everything still to be discovered
To date, therefore, the situation is very particular and the great certainty is that it seems to only be at the beginning of a long chapter in which any result can be achieved.
