Susie Wolff, a prominent figure in motorsport and spouse of Mercedes Formula One chief Toto Wolff, has commenced legal proceedings against the governing body FIA following a conflict of interest investigation from last year.
Wolff, who spearheads the all-female F1 Academy support series, made the announcement on Wednesday subsequent to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem being exonerated of alleged interference in two races last year. “I can confirm that I personally lodged a criminal complaint in the French courts on the 4th of March regarding the statements made about me by the FIA last December,” she stated on social media.
Expressing her stance, Wolff emphasized the necessity for transparency and accountability within the FIA’s conduct. “There has still not been any transparency or accountability in relation to the conduct of the FIA and its personnel in this matter,” she declared. “I feel more than ever it is important to stand up, call out improper behavior, and make sure people are held to account. Whilst some may think silence absolves them from responsibility — it does not.”
The FIA had initiated an inquiry in December into the Wolffs following a magazine report alleging that a team principal had received confidential information from an employee of the commercial rights holder.
Wolff, who reports directly to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, asserted that the allegations appeared to stem from “intimidatory and misogynistic behavior” and were focused on her marital status rather than her capabilities. The inquiry was promptly halted after all nine other teams issued statements supporting Susie Wolff.
Wolff’s legal action coincides with the FIA’s attempts to conclude whistleblower allegations concerning Ben Sulayem’s conduct, amidst ongoing scrutiny surrounding the operations at Formula One champions Red Bull.
A female Red Bull employee, suspended following the clearance of team principal Christian Horner from alleged misconduct allegations, is challenging the outcome of an independent investigation conducted by the energy drink brand. Reports suggest she has also lodged an official complaint with the FIA.
ACCUSATIONS REGARDING VEGAS
Ben Sulayem had been accused of obstructing circuit approval ahead of the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix and purportedly meddling in the outcome of the Saudi Arabian race in Jeddah.
The FIA stated that its ethics committee had unanimously cleared the Emirati following a thorough independent investigation spanning 30 days. “There was no evidence to substantiate allegations of interference of any kind involving the FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem,” the statement read.
Ben Sulayem was alleged to have influenced a steward’s decision, resulting in the reinstatement of Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso to third place in Jeddah. Additionally, he was accused of attempting to withhold a license for the inaugural night-time Las Vegas race.
The November race was pivotal to Liberty Media-owned Formula One’s endeavors to bolster the sport in a crucial U.S. market where it has experienced rapid expansion.
Ben Sulayem assumed office in 2021, succeeding Frenchman Jean Todt, and his presidency has been marked by conflicts with Formula One. While Formula One Management holds the 100-year commercial rights to the championship since 2001, the FIA is responsible for regulations, safety, and technical personnel.
The entities are also at odds over the prospect of an 11th team, with Ben Sulayem endorsing a U.S.-based Andretti-Cadillac entry while Formula One has ruled it out until at least 2028.
