Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has denied that Red Bull or AlphaTauri have complained about Toto and Susie Wolff.
Wolff, the F1 Academy head, has denied allegations of a conflict of interest involving her and her husband, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
All nine other F1 teams have posted statements on social media denying any involvement.
“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.
“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.”
Photo Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
The FIA has announced an investigation into the claims against the Wolffs and said she was “deeply insulted but sadly unsurprised” by the allegations.
Horner said to Sky Sports: “We have a big rivalry on track, but we haven’t raised any official complaint either about Susie or Toto or Mercedes to the FIA.
“In fact, Red Bull has been the team that has got most involved with Formula One Academy from its inception and to the point that between the two Red Bull owned teams will be entering three cars. So we’ve been working closely with Susie, who’s been doing a great job on Formula One Academy.
“I think we, like others, were quite surprised at the statement that came out last night, but it certainly wasn’t instigated or required or set off by Red Bull.”
The Red Bull boss praised Wolff for her work at F1 Academy, a series Red Bull have been a supporter of but said his team weren’t involved in complaining about the Wolffs.
“We’ve not raised any official complaints or made any requests to the FIA or to FOM. Indeed, we’ve been working very closely with Susie on the Formula One Academy.
“We’re the only team or the only group that are going to be entering three cars in the Academy for 2024. And it’s great work that they’re doing with the academy. We’re certainly excited about that. As far as the other teams, I can’t talk on behalf of others.
“This is an FIA thing. They’ve taken this action. But as I say, certainly nothing to do with Red Bull.”
Formula 1 has been suffering from a multitude of controversies in recent times, from the drama of the 2021 season finale to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem receiving a “cease and desist” letter from F1’s lawyers.
This was due to his reaction to a claim that the Public Fund investment from Saudi Arabia had attempted to buy the sport.
F1 issued its own statement denying the claims: “We note the public statement made by the FIA this evening that was not shared with us in advance,” the F1 statement said.
“We have complete confidence that the allegations are wrong, and we have robust processes and procedures that ensure the segregation of information and responsibilities in the event of any potential conflict of interest.
“We are confident that no member of our team has made any unauthorised disclosure to a team principal and would caution anyone against making imprudent and serious allegations without substance.”
