FIA drops Wolff investigation

The FIA’s proposed investigation into Toto and Susie Wolff over alleged sharing of confidential information has been called off.

On Tuesday, the FIA had announced that they were looking into an allegation of confidential information shared between an F1 team principal and a member of the Formula One Management (FOM). It was reported that it was the Mercedes team boss who had made a comment at a team principals meeting, revealing content which he could have only received from an FOM personnel. 

Toto’s wife, Susie, who is the F1 Academy head, was also involved in the matter, with reports stating she also could have shared confidential information. Both Mercedes and Susie denied the allegations.

Formula One released a statement, which read as follows:

“We note the public statement made by the FIA this evening that was not shared with us in advance. We have complete confidence that the allegations are wrong, and we have robust processes and procedures that ensure the segregation of information and responsibilities in the event of any potential conflict of interest.

“We are confident that no member of our team has made any unauthorised disclosure to a Team Principal and would caution anyone against making imprudent and serious allegations without substance.“

In a stunning act of solidarity, all nine other Formula One teams released the same statement on social media, which read as follows:

“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.“

On Thursday, the FIA announced that they were “satisfied that no conflict of interest had taken place”, and so the matter was dropped.

The FIA released the following statement:

“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.“