(Motorsports news) The governing body revealed on Tuesday night that its Compliance Department was investigating a claim that a member of Formula One Management and an F1 team principal had shared secret information. This was in reference to an unreliable media report that claimed Toto Wolff, in a meeting of team principals, made a statement based on material information that was only accessible to FOM personnel.
Given Susie Wolff’s position at the top of the all-female race series, she may have had more access to this information than Toto Wolff did. Mercedes, Susie Wolff, who said that the issue was based “in intimidatory and misogynistic behaviour” and claimed that other motives were at work, as well as Formula One, whose relationship with the FIA is fragile, especially in light of the present administration, criticized the charge.
The other nine teams then released nearly identical statements that read, “We can confirm that we have not made any complaint to the FIA regarding the allegation of information of a confidential nature being passed between an F1 team principal and a member of FOM staff,” in a coordinated and almost unprecedented show of unity within the paddock, especially around Susie Wolff.
“We are pleased and proud to support F1 Academy and its managing director through our commitment to sponsor an entrant in our liveries from next season.” All teams denied filing a complaint, which put tremendous pressure on the FIA to explain why it chose to look into the Wolffs. However, the governing body announced on Thursday night, one day before the FIA Awards Gala, that it was confident there was no possibility of a conflict of interest and that the issue was therefore dismissed.
According to a statement, “The FIA is satisfied that FOM’s compliance management system is robust enough to prevent any unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, having reviewed Formula One Management’s F1 Code of Conduct and F1 Conflict of Interest Policy and confirmed that appropriate protective measures are in place to mitigate any potential conflicts.”
“The FIA can attest that there isn’t a current investigation into any individual in relation to ethical or disciplinary investigations. “It is the FIA’s responsibility as the regulator to uphold the integrity of international motorsport. The FIA restates its dedication to justice and integrity.”
Also read: Rivals of Mercedes F1 all dispute complaining to the FIA over Wolff’s claims
