Lewis Hamilton “disappointed” by the FIA, after suspicions aimed at its director
Lewis Hamilton took advantage of the FIA Awards Gala in Baku to speak to the media about the Toto and Susie Wolff soap opera. The Mercedes driver was quick to criticize the FIA's handling of the affair. At the same time, the Brit took the opportunity to praise his director, with whom he has worked for several years.
The FIA issued a statement earlier this week stating that its compliance department is investigating the allegation that confidential information was transmitted from an FOM employee to a team principal, without naming Wolff.
However, it was a clear reference to the Wolff couple following a magazine article containing the allegation and suggesting that rival team bosses had complained. Subsequently, all the other F1 teams issued statements confirming that they had not filed any such complaint.
The FIA then published a second statement on Thursday explaining that the investigation was abandoned. The head of the F1 Academy, Susie Wolff, questioned the response from the governing body, noting that what happened this week is simply not right. Toto Wolff also confirmed that Mercedes was actively engaged in legal discussions with the FIA.
Speaking at a press conference during the awards ceremony of the governing body in Baku, Hamilton defended Wolff and criticized the actions of the FIA.
« It’s been a difficult week. […] I think it’s been a truly disappointing week to see that the governing body of our sport sought to question the integrity of one of the most incredible leaders we have ever had in our sport, Susie Wolff, without questioning, without any evidence, and then just say “sorry” at the end. »
« And that is simply unacceptable. We have many incredible people in the sport who are doing an amazing job. There is a constant struggle to truly improve diversity and inclusion within the industry », before ending with, « it seems that there are certain individuals among the leaders of the FIA who, every time we try to take a step forward, try to push us back. And that needs to change ».
Hamilton also congratulated Toto Wolff, who has been his team principal throughout his tenure at Mercedes for the past decade, as the team looks to come back fighting at the front in F1 next year.
Toto is an extraordinary leader. I have known him for a long time. We joined the team at the same time, and it has been an interesting journey for both of us to grow with the team, to see its vision expand and progress within the team structure. He hasn’t lost an ounce of his competitiveness, he is extremely competitive.
« He is very understanding. I think it certainly hasn’t been easy for anyone on the team when you’re working on something, but it doesn’t go exactly as you want. I think there have been many lessons learned, and I have been really proud to see the progress he has made as an individual and as a human being. »
