Tipster profile image
Victor Petkov
twitter iconlikedin iconlikedin icon
Head of Content authorBadge
Last Updated:

3 min read

Susie Wolff sues FIA over conflict of interest allegations
google news logo Follow us
Add comment
She was cleared of these allegations in December, when nine F1 teams supported her

Susie Wolff has initiated legal proceedings against the governing body FIA over a conflict of interest inquiry conducted last year.

Wolff, who oversees the all-female F1 Academy support series, publicly announced her decision on Wednesday following the clearance of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem from allegations of interference in two races in the previous year.

“I can confirm that I personally lodged a legal complaint in the French courts on March 4th regarding the statements made about me by the FIA last December,” she stated on social media. “There has been a lack of transparency or accountability regarding the conduct of the FIA and its staff in this matter.”

Expressing her determination to address improper conduct, Wolff emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable, asserting, “While some may believe silence absolves them from responsibility, it does not.”

The FIA initiated an inquiry in December into the Wolffs following a magazine report suggesting a team principal had received confidential information from an employee of the commercial rights holder. Susie Wolff, who reports to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, contended that the allegations seemed rooted in intimidation and misogyny, focusing more on her marital status than her capabilities.

The inquiry was swiftly closed after all nine other teams issued statements supporting Susie Wolff.

Wolff’s legal action coincides with the FIA’s efforts to address whistleblower claims concerning Ben Sulayem’s conduct, amid ongoing scrutiny of alleged incidents at Formula One champions Red Bull. A female Red Bull employee, suspended following the clearance of team principal Christian Horner from misconduct allegations, is challenging the outcome of an independent investigation conducted by the energy drink brand.

While reports suggest she also filed an official complaint with the FIA, the governing body has yet to confirm this.