Susie Wolff and Toto Wolff were being investigated over conflict of interest allegations (Photo: Getty)
The FIA have dropped their conflict of interest investigation into Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and his wife Susie Wolff, the head of the F1 Academy.
The motorsport governing body announced on Tuesday that they were looking into media reports of an alleged sharing of confidential information between the Wolffs.
Toto has been the team principal and CEO of Mercedes since 2013, while Susie, formerly a test driver for Williams, was appointed managing director of the newly-launched F1 Academy, an all-female series which has the long-term aim of getting a woman on the F1 grid, in 2023.
The pair, as well as Mercedes and F1, strongly denied the allegations and expressed their anger at the FIA for not notifying them of the investigation prior to telling the media.
Susie Wolff’s statement was particularly damning, saying: ‘I am deeply insulted but sadly unsurprised by the public allegations that have been made.
‘It is disheartening that my integrity is being called into question in such a manner, especially when it seems to be rooted in intimidatory and misogynistic behaviour, and focused on my marital status rather than my abilities.
‘Throughout my career in motorsport, I have encountered and overcome numerous obstacles and I refuse to let these baseless allegations overshadow my dedication and passion for F1 Academy.
Susie Wolff was a development and test driver for Williams from 2012 to 2015 (Photo: Getty)
‘As a woman in this sport, I have faced my fair share of challenges but my commitment to breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations to succeed remains unwavering.’
Some reports had suggested that the allegations had been made by rival team bosses, but on Wednesday the other nine teams on the grid unprecedentedly put out a joint statement denying they were involved in the matter.
And on Thursday evening, the FIA announced that the investigation was over, stating: ‘Following a review of Formula One Management’s F1 Code of Conduct and F1 Conflict of Interest Policy and confirmation that appropriate protective measures are in place to mitigate any potential conflicts, the FIA is satisfied that FOM’s compliance management system is robust enough to prevent any unauthorised disclosure of confidential information.
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‘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.’
The matter has unquestionably further damaged the reputation of the FIA as well as it’s relationship with F1 and its teams.
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The investigation into the F1 stars had garnered much controversy.
