Susie Wolff, the F1 Academy series director, has initiated legal action against motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, following its conflict of interest inquiry into her last year. The inquiry, launched in December, was concluded abruptly two days later, prompting Wolff to pursue legal recourse.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal and Susie’s husband, expressed his support, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to her convictions and values. He described Susie as a strong woman who is resolute in seeking justice through legal channels.
The conflict arose from claims made by Business F1 magazine, alleging that Susie’s relationship with Toto presented a conflict of interest in the sport. Concerns were raised about the potential sharing of confidential information between Mercedes and F1 through the Wolffs.
Both Mercedes and F1 refuted the claims, with Susie denouncing them as “intimidatory and misogynistic.” Despite the swift conclusion of the FIA’s investigation, Susie remains steadfast in seeking accountability and transparency regarding the matter.
Toto Wolff underscored the importance of a thorough investigation to address the issue and ensure accountability across all areas of the sport. He emphasized Susie’s commitment to uncovering the truth and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Susie’s legal action comes amidst other notable developments within the sport, including the recent clearance of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem of claims of race interference. Additionally, Red Bull’s Christian Horner was cleared of allegations of inappropriate behavior, with the woman who made the accusations subsequently suspended by the team.