FIA 'launches investigation' into F1 boss after team complaints

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FIA 'launches investigation' into F1 boss after team complaints

The governing body has issued a statement on the matter

Dan Davis

Tuesday 5 December 2023 19:25 Updated: 19:57

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and his wife, Susie, are thought to be at the centre of an FIA investigation over a potential conflict of interest.

Several complaints have allegedly been lodged by Formula 1 team principals over the couple. Wolff is the team principal of Mercedes, while Susie is the managing director of the F1 Academy, a programme run by commercial rights holders.

Autosport have reported that concerns have arisen over the pair allegedly being privy to information not typically accessible - a possible conflict of interest.

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The allegation is that Wolff could access information on the Formula One Group through his wife. In turn, Susie may hold details from meetings via her husband.

"The FIA is aware of media speculation centred on the allegation of information of a confidential nature being passed to an F1 team principal from a member of FOM personnel," a statement from the governing body read.

"The FIA Compliance Department is looking in to the matter."

Toto Wolff and Susie Wolff are allegedly at the heart of an FIA investigation

Susie Wolff is the managing director of the F1 Academy

The FIA have reportedly launched a probe after complaints from team bosses

Wolff allegations

A report in BusinessF1 magazine alleged a comment made by Wolff in a recent team boss meeting was based on information that could have only come from FOM. This seemingly spurred his peers to make complaints.

The complaints have not been made publicly, though FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is said to have been lobbied over a potential conflict of interest.

Susie was appointed managing director of the F1 Academy in March this year, having served most recently in several roles at the Venturi Formula E team.

Her current role sees her report directly to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

Mercedes FIA Toto Wolff Susie Wolff