Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and family cleared as FIA rapidly drop investigation
The investigation into Toto Wolff and his wife Susie has been dropped by the FIA.
A compliance investigation by the FIA into Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and F1 Academy boss Susie Wolff has been dropped following allegations that the couple were sharing confidential information between them.The global governing body confirmed that they are “satisfied FOM’s compliance management system is robust enough to prevent any unauthorized disclosure of confidential information” and that there is “no ongoing investigation”.
“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,” read a statement released on Thursday.
It had been claimed by Business F1 magazine that team bosses had raised concerns about the Wolffs discussing confidential details about their respective employers. Yet all nine of Mercedes F1 rivals later came out and denied making any complaints to the FIA. An F1 statement following on from the FIA’s press release read: “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.”
Mrs Wolff claimed that the allegations were “rooted in intimidatory and misogynistic behaviour” and branded them “baseless”. Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton showed his support for his boss’s wife by sharing her lengthy statement on his social media channels while the rest of the grid showed their solidarity through a coordinated statement, reading: “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
