In response to the FIA’s probe into a potential conflict of interest, Toto Wolff has blasted the agency for initiating a “personal attack” that “crossed the line”.
Following a report of the disclosure of sensitive information, the governing body of Formula 1 declared that it would be opening an investigation into a team principal and a member of Formula 1 Management (FOM) personnel.
All nine other teams issued comments denying they were the source of the accusation, which originated from a
“member of FOM personnel,” but the probe was swiftly ended with no further action taken.
F1 Academy director Susie Wolff said on social media that she was “deeply insulted” by the suggestion that she had committed a transgression.
Mercedes asserted that it was not informed in advance of the FIA statement and that it is engaged in a “active legal exchange” with the organization regarding the event.
In addition, Wolff believes that his family was unfairly targeted in the affair, even if he is willing to take criticism himself.
“After ten years as a team boss, I’m already [used to hearing things], but this story was shocking,” Wolff stated to Bild.
“It’s not at all problematic for me to be in the crossfire.
“I can handle it now that I have a thick skin. But there’s a difference in intensity when you target my family.
“Absurd charges were made out of thin air. It was a personal jab that went too far.
“Susie and I have enough professionalism to maintain a clear separation between our areas of competence. I don’t think there is any significant crossover between our two bodies of work.”
