FIA has terminated its investigation into Toto and Susie Wolff’s conduct after concluding that the couple did not divulge any confidential information regarding Formula 1.
The FIA has unexpectedly suspended its closely monitored investigation into an alleged conflict of interest between F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff and her husband Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.
The governing body revealed on Tuesday that an F1 team principal and a member of Formula One Management were allegedly exchanging confidential information and were currently being investigated by the FIA’s Compliance Department.
This was brought about by a controversial media report claiming that Toto Wolff made a comment at a team principals meeting that referenced confidential information that was only available to FOM executives. Susie Wolff, his wife, may have had more access to this information because she is the director of the all-female racing series.
Mercedes, Susie Wolff and Formula 1 immediately dismissed the claims and the governing body’s investigation after receiving the news from the FIA without having initially been personally informed by the governing body.
Mercedes’ nine rival teams banded together with synchronized social media statements the day after the FIA’s announcement, refuting involvement in any complaints about the Wolffs.
This immediately placed a great deal of pressure on the FIA to provide an explanation as to why it made the choice to launch its compliance investigation.
Just one day before Friday’s FIA Awards Gala, the FIA abruptly announced that it was not currently investigating any F1 personnel for a possible conflict of interest.
The statement read: “Following a review of Formula One Management’s F1 Code of Conduct and F1 Conflict of Interest Policy and confirmation that appropriate protective measures are in place to mitigate any potential conflicts, the FIA is satisfied that FOM’s compliance management system is robust enough to prevent any unauthorised disclosure of confidential information.
“The FIA can confirm that there is no ongoing investigation in terms of ethical or disciplinary inquiries involving any individual. As the regulator, the FIA has a duty to maintain the integrity of global motorsport. The FIA reaffirms its commitment to integrity and fairness.”
Susie said in a statement released before the FIA’s ruling that she was “deeply insulted but sadly unsurprised” by the unsupported allegations. The former racing driver from Scotland who is married bt Toto Wolff continued by stating that the accusations seemed to be motivated by intimidatory and misogynistic behaviour ‘that were ‘focused on her marital status rather than her abilities’.
