Opening of an investigation, outraged reactions, hints of misogyny: what is happening between the FIA, F1, Toto and Susie Wolff?

It came out of nowhere, in the form of an FIA press release! We learn that the FIA ​​compliance department is examining an allegation according to which "information of a confidential nature was transmitted to a team principal of F1 by a member of FOM staff » What information is this and who are the protagonists? To these two questions, the FIA ​​provides no information, confessing that it is “aware of the media speculation” that the lack of transparency will inevitably create. A stable boss and a member of the FOM, how can you not think of Toto and Susie Wolff ? The spouses made this deduction, easy to say the least, immediately, stepping up to the plate through the organizations they represent.

First of all, Classic Mercedes for sale said it “completely rejects the allegation contained in the statement and associated media coverage, which wrongly undermines Mr. Wolff's integrity and compliance.” We invite the FIA ​​Compliance Department to send us full, prompt and transparent correspondence regarding this investigation and its contents. » In the same communication, Mercedes did not fail to mark its “surprise to learn of the investigation” in this way since having received “no communication from the FIA ​​compliance department on this subject. »  

ALSO READ > Susie Wolff appointed director of the F1 Academy

Team Statement pic.twitter.com/aUiOxteF9o

- Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@ MercedesAMGF1) December 5, 2023

On the side of the FOM, the same amazement and dismay. “We are convinced that the allegations are false and we have robust processes and procedures that ensure the separation of information and responsibilities in the event of a potential conflict of interest,” we could read this time in the F1 press release. We are confident that no member of our team has made any unauthorized disclosure to a team manager and we caution anyone against making reckless and serious unfounded allegations! » 

So, are we facing a vast manipulation aimed at discrediting one of F1's emblematic team bosses or a proven case of conflict of interest? Is the FIA compliance department to decide. In any case, the one through whom the scandal indirectly occurs proclaims her innocence and denounces a sexist maneuver. Declaring “ deeply insulted”, Susie Wolff says she is “unfortunately not surprised” by these allegations which she rejects “in the strongest possible terms”.  

« It's disheartening to have my integrity questioned in this way, especially when it seems to be rooted in bullying and misogynistic behavior, and focuses on my marital status rather than my abilities, she adds. Throughout my career in motorsport, I have encountered and overcome many obstacles and I refuse to let these baseless allegations overshadow my dedication and passion for the F1 Academy. As a woman in this sport, I have faced my share of challenges, but my commitment to breaking barriers and paving the way for success for future generations remains unwavering. I reject these allegations in the strongest possible terms.” 

pic.twitter.com/fKvTpIhXQ6

— Susie Wolff (@Susie_Wolff) December 5, 2023

The FIA ​​Code of Ethics states that confidentiality is one of its four key commitments. It states: “FIA parties and third parties must also treat as confidential or secret all non-public information communicated to them in the exercise of their functions. Any information or opinion will only be disclosed in accordance with the principles, guidelines and objectives of the FIA ​​and its members.” 

Whatever the motivations, sexist or not, of those who question the integrity and righteousness of Susie Wolff, the media agitation caused underlines how difficult it is to bring potentially sensitive positions together under the same roof. If the thesis of “secrets on the ear” seems fanciful to say the least given the moral rigor of the two people targeted, it poses the problem of mixing genres even if Susie Wolff is by far the best interlocutor that the FOM could put at the head of the F1 Academy. How also, not to regret the behavior that is, to say the least, careless of the FIA ​​which shamelessly uses media leverage while regretting in advance the inevitable excesses and speculations that it will provoke. For the record, a little more rigor and moral sense would be welcome on the part of the FIA. The fact of not naming the suspects does not absolve her since she could not have known that suspicion would fall on the Wolff couple.