FIA ends conflict of interest investigation into Toto and Susie Wolff

On Tuesday evening, the governing body announced that its compliance service was investigating an allegation of confidential information being exchanged between an F1 team manager and a member of the Formula 1 management.

Unexpected accusations

It was a questionable media report stating that during a team chiefs meeting, Toto Wolff allegedly made a comment based on documents that were only available to FOM staff, which his wife Susie Wolff could theoretically have access to due to her position as CEO.

The accusations were denounced by Mercedes, and according to Susie Wolff, other motivations were at play, claiming that the matter was rooted in intimidating and misogynistic behavior, which will not help improve the relationship between F1 and the FIA becoming increasingly strained.

A statement from F1 said: « We take note of the public statement made by the FIA this evening, which was not shared with us in advance », before adding « We are fully confident that the allegations are false, and we have robust processes and procedures in place that ensure the separation of information and responsibilities in case of potential conflicts of interest ».

We are convinced that none of our team members has made any unauthorized disclosure to a team manager, and we caution anyone against making reckless and baseless allegations.

The strong solidarity of the stables

Then, in a coordinated and almost unprecedented show of unity in the paddock, especially around Susie Wolff, the other nine teams issued nearly identical statements that said: « We can confirm that we have not lodged any complaint with the FIA regarding allegations of confidential information being transmitted between an F1 team principal and a member of the FOM staff ».

We are happy and proud to support the F1 Academy and its CEO through our commitment to sponsor a participant in our liveries from next season ».

An express retraction from the FIA

While all teams denied having filed a complaint, F1 exerted extreme pressure on the FIA to disclose precisely why it had decided to investigate the Wolffs. But on Thursday evening, a day before the FIA Gala, the governing body revealed that it was convinced that no conflict of interest could have occurred and that the case had therefore been dropped.

After reviewing the F1 code of conduct and the F1 conflict of interest policy, and confirming that appropriate safeguards are in place to mitigate any potential conflicts, the FIA is convinced that the FOM’s compliance management system is sufficiently robust to prevent any unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.

« The FIA can confirm that there are no ongoing investigations in terms of ethical or disciplinary inquiries involving any individual. […] As a regulator, the FIA has a responsibility to uphold the integrity of global motorsport. The FIA reaffirms its commitment to integrity and fairness ».