FIA swiftly dismissed its investigation against Toto and Susie Wolff after a faux pas moment that saw other teams deny their involvement in the alleged complaint.

Probe on Possible Conflict of Interest Between Toto and Susie Wolff

Early on, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) launched a probe directed to Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Principal Toto Wolff and F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff. The governing body of Formula One (F1) claimed that its action was due to several complaints it received from other teams about a possible conflict of interest between the couple in their respective roles.

Reports said the motorsport boss of Mercedes had inadvertently passed a confidential information related to F1 Academy during an F1 team principals’ meeting which he shouldn’t have been privy to if it weren’t for his wife’s position in the mentioned group. This affair has supposedly led to concerns that Toto may have also been sharing sensitive information with Susie in his capacity as a team principal, too.

The Reactions

The public backlash was quick on this one as the F1 community pointed out the lack of foresight on the organization for even appointing Susie in the all-female-led academy knowing that her husband has a prominent role as team owner. Meanwhile, Mercedes F1 denied the accusation and Susie called the move “insulting” and “intimidatory and misogynistic behavior.”

Mercedes enemy number one, Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner, swiftly distanced himself from the issue, saying his group was not involved in the protest. The other teams unequivocally voiced their displeasure with FIA’s actions, too, and gave their support to the Wolff couple.

FIA Dismisses Investigation

To save face, FIA dropped its enquiry on the matter and blamed the “media speculation” surrounding it. The F1 organizer pointed out there was no case to answer on the part of Toto and Susie Wolff.