F1 News: Mercedes team boss states F1 has a 'MASSIVE problem' after FIA investigation

Toto Wolff, Bahrain GP, Mercedes, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Mercedes team boss states F1 has a 'MASSIVE problem' after FIA investigation

Toto Wolff underlined the importance of accountability in a recent interview

Originally written by Shay Rogers. This version is a translation.

Saturday 30 March 2024 22:00

Toto Wolff has shared his public support for his wife and F1 Academy managing director Susie, after she launched legal action against the FIA.

Last year, an inquiry was opened by the governing body into an alleged conflict of interest in the sport but was quickly shut down two days after being opened after being ‘satisfied’ that F1 had the right measures in place to prevent such issues.

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It’s the latest in a series of events which have seen investigations opened surrounding the sport, including two separate instances involving FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and one involving Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation by Red Bull into alleged ‘inappropriate behaviour’ towards a female colleague, while Ben Sulayem’s cases which involve last years’ Saudi Arabian and Las Vegas Grands Prix remains open.

The subsequent harm it did to the Wolff's reputation has led to Susie filing a criminal complaint in the French Courts on 4 March.

Toto Wolff has been impressed by his wife's response

Toto Wolff chats with F1 boss Stefano Domenicali

Toto shares support for Susie

Speaking at the Australian Grand Prix about his wife’s response, he iterated the importance of accountability at the top of the sport.

“She started that process many months ago, has done it very diligently as far as I am concerned and will go all the way,” the Mercedes boss said.

“I think it matters for her most to find out what happened, and people take accountability and responsibility and things are not brushed under the carpet.

“I think we as a sport need to do that in all areas, whether it is Susie’s case or some case with the other teams.

“Overall, I think this sport has such a massive platform, we are doing so well and maybe sometimes we need to take it out of the jurisdictions of our sport into the real world and see what it does.”

Red Bull Christian Horner FIA Toto Wolff Mohammed Ben Sulayem Susie Wolff