In December 2023, Toto and Susie Wolff became prominent figures in an investigation by the FIA. It was reported that a ‘Conflict of Interest‘ was the main cause behind the investigation, with Susie Wolff’s job coming under fire. In a new update from Susie Wolff on Instagram, the head of F1 Academy revealed she has filed a complaint against the FIA in the early days of March. Additionally, she called out the lack of accountability and transparency from the FIA over the investigation.
“There has still not been any transparency or accountability in relation to the conduct of the FIA and its personnel in this matter.”
For context, several reports suggested there was an “illegal” sharing of confidential information between the Wolff couple. FIA took note of the same and launched a full-fledged investigation against them. However, it was a short-lived investigation as the FIA took a U-turn on their allegations.
It was also rumored that the rest of the 9 teams on the grid were initially in support of the investigation. However, they soon showed their support, claiming they had nothing to do with the matter.
Susie Wolff has taken legal action against the FIA
Susie Wolff has confirmed she has filed for a criminal complaint in French courts on the 4th of March due to the statements made against her last December #F1 pic.twitter.com/QOKfIwiZKG
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) March 20, 2024
The timing of the revelation adds to the problems that exist for FIA President Mohammad Ben Sulayem. Merely a few hours ago, Sulayem got the all-clear from allegations of race interference.
Susie Wolff made the complaint in a criminal court, which is another issue for Sulayem. Given that she opted to not file a complaint with the FIA, they do not have the right to investigate internally. Hence, there might be a lot of drama unfolding soon.
Prominent F1 entities react to the update by Susie Wolff
As soon as Wolff provided the update, followers of F1 flocked together to react to it. Several journalists and experts also dropped by to have their say on the matter.
Damon Hill claimed the FIA was under a “meteorite shower of accusations.”
F1 under a meteorite shower of accusations right now. Criminal complaint is very serious though. Need I say? #f1 https://t.co/RjiSGJGEa4
— Damon Hill (@HillF1) March 20, 2024
While Nate Saunders stood in favor of Wolff calling for transparency and accountability.
Big statement from Susie Wolff. Transparency – or, rather, the lack of – is the big talking point in F1 at the moment and she’s rightly shining a light on that. https://t.co/Yw6xch5bw3
— Nate Saunders (@natesaundersF1) March 20, 2024
Joe Saward and Chris Medland pointed out how the FIA was under another ‘attack.’
And here comes the next torpedo… https://t.co/R4W13oeDwO
— Joe Saward (@joesaward) March 20, 2024
Not that Ben Sulayem and the FIA aren’t still facing other challenges, as Susie Wolff confirms she’s launched legal proceedings after the FIA comments about a team principal and member of FOM personnel before Christmas #F1 https://t.co/Xj84gzCsyr
— Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandF1) March 20, 2024
The 2024 F1 season has been plagued with controversies. While one dies down after gaining a lot of traction, another comes up immediately after. The supposed ‘boredom’ of the dominance of Max Verstappen has been well balanced by such news. However the question of ‘How much is too much?’ is becoming increasingly relevant in the scenario.
