The Formula 1 governing body decided to investigate claims made against Toto and Susie Wolff and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton came out in their support. The FIA raised eyebrows earlier this week when it revealed that it was looking into rumors in the media about a possible conflict of interest and the transmission of confidential information.
Mercedes and Susie Wolff promptly reacted, defending their team principal and the head of the all-female F1 Academy series, Susie Wolff, without calling out any names. According to allegations published in Business F1 magazine, team principals expressed concern that sensitive talks may be leaked. However, teams maintained a unified front recently by denying any formal complaints in statements they published.
Hamilton lends support using Michelle Obama’s influence
When an inquiry almost put Susie Wolff’s life’s work in jeopardy, she realized she may lose all she had fought for. She voiced frustration and displeasure in her formal statement, questioning the lack of evidence before the probe was launched. She fiercely defended herself as she had been working tirelessly to have her character called into question, in response to the investigation that was directed against her reputation in F1.
Lewis Hamilton shows support to Susie Wolff through a comment on her instagram post : “Like Mrs Obama said, when they go low we go high. Supporting you all the way. 🙌🏽” pic.twitter.com/lTgoNQr2I0
— deni (@fiagirly) December 8, 2023
Subsequently, Susie took to Instagram to echo her sentiments, where her old pal, Lewis Hamilton quoted the words of former First Lady of the USA, Michelle Obama in support. He wrote an encouraging comment where he said, “Like Mrs. Obama said, ‘When they go low, we go high.’ Supporting you all the way.” The driver endorsed the Wolff’s cause during the prize-giving ceremony at Baku as well.
Lewis Hamilton slams FIA for ‘unacceptable’ actions
Revealing his disapproval of the governing body, the Mercedes driver publicly vented his dissatisfaction and claimed that certain authorities were hindering progress. Hamilton came out in favor of the F1 Academy managing director whose handling by the FIA he found “unacceptable“.
Lewis Hamilton has backed Susie Wolff after the FIA ended its compliance investigation into her and her husband, Toto Wolff.
The Mercedes driver called events “unacceptable” and “disappointing” while speaking at the 2023 #FIA prize-giving gala in Baku.#F1 pic.twitter.com/1ulkhWq3xW
— Autosport (@autosport) December 8, 2023
The Briton disclosed to the media, “It’s been a challenging week, a disappointing week, really, to see that the governing body of our sport has sought to question the integrity of one of the most incredible female leaders we’ve ever had in our sport in Susie Wolff without questioning, without any evidence.” Hamilton further added, “And then just saying ‘sorry’ at the end, and that’s just unacceptable.”
The Silver Arrows team announced that they were in discussion with the FIA through the legal system over an inquiry into an alleged conflict of interest between an F1 team lead and a member of Formula 1 management. Tensions touched the ceiling due to this probe but it was resolved quickly.