Susie and Toto Wolff have both been under investigation by the FIA, the governing body of the sport, for speculation of a conflict of interest. These allegations have sent Formula One fans alike into a whirlwind of reactions: angry, confused and disappointed. The so called ‘conflict of interest’ comes as it has been rumoured that Susie, the managing director of F1 academy, may have leaked her husband information from within closed doors. Some fans state this investigation was simply for protocol, others claim misogyny. But, why is this investigation so significant?
In March this year, it was announced that Susie Wolff – former Williams F1 development driver and Formula E Team principal- would be appointed as the managing director of the all women’s feeder series F1 Academy. This brought to light young women in racing, in a heavily male dominated sport. However, it is this appointment that has recently began to be questioned by various news outlets and even the FIA. This is as her husband, Toto Wolff, is a Team Principal of Mercedes Formula One team. Consequently, recent news has speculated that Susie was able to give her husband inside information from within the governing body about other teams. Many claim that Wolff’s knowledge of Redbull Racing exceeding the cost cap back in the 2021 season before the media knew, was an example of this. As scandalous as this may be, this accusation is not the main thing that has angered F1 fans.
Rather, the potentially misogynistic message that this leaves, and that has damaged Susie Wolff’s reputation. Stemming from an article that Business F1 has produced, many fans have been left enraged, even with 7x world champion Lewis Hamilton stating ‘it’s unacceptable’. Within the article, Susie’s work in F1 Academy to be an advantage point for Mercedes F1 Team and compares her to Geri Horner (Spice Girl and wife of Christian Horner- Team Principal of Redbull Racing). This enraged many fans as it seemingly stripped Susie of any of her achievements, professionalism and credibility, essentially reducing her to simply ‘just Toto’s wife’. When i. reality, both Geri Horner and Susie Wolff are people in their own right, and have their own credibilities than just wags. Moreover, failing to credit Susie for her achievements led many to feel that these allegations were rooted in misogyny. In her initial statement, Susie wrote ‘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’
Despite these allegations being brought to the media’s attention through rumours, the governing body of the sport decided to peruse a full investigation into the Wolff’s potential conflict of interest. A comment from the FIA claimed that this issue had been brought to their attention by ‘multiple teams’. However, this was proven wrong as a swift send-out of statements soon followed from all the teams in F1, denying they made a complaint and showing their support for Susie Wolff. Ultimately, leaving yet another mark on the reputation of the FIA.
Now, the investigation into the Wolff’s has been closed as the governing body were satisfied that no conflict of interest has happened between the pair. Therefore, denying all rumours of a leak of information in order to gain advantages. But, has this left to big a dent? And has the damage already been done? In her most recent statement, Susie claims she has already ‘received online abuse about my work and my family’ as well as people making ‘insituations’ being made about her ‘intergrity’ Coming to Susie’s defense, a large quantity of fans have shamed the sport’s governing body for investigating these rumours in the first place. While others believe that this is simply protocol and is right to look into any potential leaking of confidential information.
Claims of hypocrisy against the FIA have once again surfaced, after many of their decisions have already been in question. This is as the sport presents themselves to be highly supportive of women and have made multiple attempts to pave a path for women to join into the highly male dominated sport, yet many view this as purely for show, and there are minimal efforts to reinforce their so called- attempts. There has always been a very male concentrated viewership in motorsport, and these insinuations against Susie Wolff is seen by many as another way of the FIA making it difficult for women to be welcomed and embraced into this sport.
Liberty media, the company that own the commercial rights to Formula One, have recently been the subject of vast amount of rumours that speculate their breakaway from the FIA, as a result of their inconsistent and unreliable responses to various events; this potentially being the tip of the iceberg. Therefore showing how significant their decisions and actions into this investigation have been.
So, is the FIA just doing their job, and doing what is best to make the sport as fair as possible? Or is there an underlying issue that is rooted beneath all this? I’ll let you decide.
Formula Focus 