The Formula 1 paddock, known for its high-stakes political currents, saw a controversial episode last year when the FIA launched an investigation into alleged exchanges of confidential information between team principals and the FOM. Toto Wolff was accused of being a source for the teams, while his wife, Susie Wolff, F1 Academy’s managing director, was aligned with the FOM. The inquiry sparked significant backlash, with all ten teams rallying to support the Wolffs. Susie Wolff issued a sharp rebuke, denouncing the narrative as rooted in misogyny.
Ultimately, the FIA dropped the investigation, but Toto Wolff remains dissatisfied with how events unfolded. Ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, he reignited tensions by criticizing Christian Horner’s handling of the controversy, accusing his Red Bull rival of being untrustworthy. This exchange has added another layer of drama to the ongoing rivalry between Mercedes and Red Bull.
Toto Wolff Digs Up A 2023 Controversy, Fire Shots At Christian Horner
The FIA’s compliance department announced last Christmas that it was investigating a potential conflict of interest involving Toto Wolff and his wife, Susie Wolff, the managing director of the F1 Academy and a former Formula One test driver. The inquiry was reportedly initiated after complaints from an unnamed team principal. The announcement triggered widespread backlash, with eight of the ten teams voicing support for the Wolffs.
Toto Wolff revealed that Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur led the charge against the investigation, calling it unfair, and was joined by team principals like Guenther Steiner and James Vowles. However, Christian Horner of Red Bull initially hesitated to back a joint statement supporting the Wolffs, opting instead to address the issue separately. After further deliberations, Horner eventually signed the collective declaration, though he reportedly tried to insert clauses clarifying that no official complaints had been made to the FIA.
Reflecting on the situation, Wolff remarked that he didn’t directly engage with Horner over the matter, expressing doubts about the reliability of his rival’s statements. The episode has further highlighted the strained relationship between the two team principals.
Susie Wolff’s Defiant Take Against FIA
Although the FIA dropped its investigation into Susie Wolff’s alleged conflict of interest, she chose not to let the matter rest. In March 2024, Susie pursued legal action by filing a criminal complaint in French courts, accusing the sporting authorities of making false and inappropriate comments about her.
In her statement, Susie emphasized the importance of confronting improper behavior and holding individuals accountable. She argued that silence does not absolve responsibility and committed herself to addressing the issue head-on. Her bold stance highlighted her determination to stand up for herself and challenge unfair treatment.
Since the legal filing, the FIA has refrained from making any public statements about her. Meanwhile, Susie continues her work as the managing director of the F1 Academy, an all-female racing series under the Formula 1 umbrella. As a trailblazer for women in motorsports, her actions, both on and off the track, have inspired countless others.