F1 News: Susie Wolff Strongly Rejects Allegations After FIA Launches Investigation - "Deeply Insulted"
F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff has strongly rejected the allegations against her following the launched investigation from the FIA that she and her husband, Mercedes CEO and team principal Toto Wolff, are supposedly sharing inside information with each other.
The FIA has launched an investigation into Toto and Susie Wolff following allegations of potential conflicts of interest, as reportedly raised by Formula 1 team principals. These concerns stem from the possibility of the Wolffs having access to confidential information that could give Mercedes an unfair advantage.
At the core of the issue is the suspicion that the Wolffs might be privy to insider information. Toto Wolff, as the team principal and CEO of Mercedes, and Susie Wolff, in her role as the managing director of the F1 Academy, are positioned to access sensitive data. This situation has drawn scrutiny, particularly following a report by BusinessF1 magazine alleging that Toto Wolff used confidential information from Formula One Management (FOM) in a meeting with team principals.
The FIA's response, led by president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, highlights the gravity of these allegations. The FIA Compliance Department is actively investigating the claims, focusing on the integrity of information sharing within Formula 1. Susie Wolff's recent appointment as managing director of the F1 Academy and her direct reporting to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali are significant elements in this inquiry.
In light of these developments, Susie Wolff has issued a strong statement vehemently denying these allegations. Taking to social media, Wolff posted:
"I am deeply insulted but sadly unsurprised by the public allegations that have been made this evening.
"It is disheartening that my integrity is being called into question in such a manner, especially when it seems to be rooted in intimidatory and misogynistic behaviour, and focused on my marital status rather than my abilities.
"Throughout my career in motorsport, I have encountered and overcome numerous obstacles and I refuse to let these baseless allegations overshadow my dedication and passion for F1 Academy.
"As a woman in this sport, I have faced my fair share of challenges but my commisment to breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations to succeed remains unwavering.
"In the strongest possible terms, I reject these allegations."