F1: Teams Rally Behind Mercedes Amid Surprise Wolff Investigation by FIA
The F1 Academy Director Susie Wolff and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff were allegedly involved, although the FIA declined to confirm the identity of the individuals. A media article that was published before the FIA announcement lacked supporting evidence.
By Divyam Dubey
As a show of support, Formula 1 teams are denying any accusations that they have complained to the FIA about the recent claims that have initiated a compliance investigation into Mercedes' team principal, Toto Wolff, and his spouse, Susie. A possible conflict of interest involving the sharing of sensitive information between a team principal and an employee of Formula One Management (FOM) was highlighted on Tuesday by the FIA. Though the FIA didn't say it directly, everyone knew it had to have been Toto and Susie Wolff—the latter of whom was managing director of the F1 Academy series.
Formula 1, Mercedes, and Susie Wolff all issued strong comments strongly denying the claims in response to the probe. Formula 1 and Mercedes both stressed that they had not been informed about the inquiry or the FIA's announcement in advance. The claims deeply disappointed and did not surprise Susie, and she rejected them with the "strongest possible terms."
Following these remarks, all nine Formula 1 teams have united to categorically deny any complicity in notifying the FIA about the issues that led to the investigation against the Wolff pair. Stakeholders in this unexpected and controversial chapter of Formula 1 are keeping a careful eye on the scenario as it unfolds, which is captivating the motorsports world.
Also Read: F1: FIA Investigates Mercedes Chief Toto and Wife Susie Wolff for Alleged Conflict of Interest
F1: Rival Teams Deny Filing FIA Complaint
Nearly a day later, a unified front showed up when the McLaren, Ferrari, Haas, Alpine, Williams, Aston Martin, AlphaTauri, and Alfa Romeo teams released synchronised statements, explicitly refuting any participation in reporting the issue to the FIA.
Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull and a known rival of Toto Wolff, explicitly said that his team had not officially filed any grievances with the FIA.
“We can confirm that we have not made any complaint to the FIA regarding the allegation of information of a confidential nature being passed between an F1 Team Principal and a member of FOM staff.
“We are pleased and proud to support F1 Academy and its managing director through our commitment to sponsor an entrant in our liveries from next season.”
Team statement pic.twitter.com/OS1SQM6UzD
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) December 6, 2023
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According to some reports, Mercedes has reportedly not received any official communication from the FIA regarding the ongoing investigation, despite the FIA's decision to publicly announce the probe on Tuesday night.
The unity among the teams in their denial of involvement adds a unique dimension to the unfolding situation, raising questions about the FIA's handling of the matter. The sport's governing body is now under scrutiny to explain the basis for its decision and address the growing concerns within the Formula 1 community.
Tensions between Formula One and the FIA have been a recurring theme since the leadership transition with Ben Sulayem at the helm, further complicating the evolving narrative in the world of motorsports. The coming days are likely to bring further developments as stakeholders await responses and revelations in this unprecedented chapter of Formula 1.
