The FIA has released a new statement following the dramatic events of the last 48 hours.
On Tuesday evening CET, the FIA said they were “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. The FIA Compliance Department is looking in to the matter”.
Motorsport Network first reported that they were looking into the actions of Susie and Toto Wolff, following an article by Business F1 that other teams were unhappy and complaining about what potential confidential information Wolff was getting from the F1 Academy Managing Director.
It prompted a swift response from Susie Wolff, F1 and Mercedes on Tuesday.
Yesterday, all the other teams released a joint statement, stating, “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.”
On Thursday evening CET, the FIA confirmed that no active investigation involving anyone is currently taking place.
Full FIA statement:
“Following a review of Formula One Management’s F1 Code of Conduct and F1 Conflict of Interest Policy and confirmation that appropriate protective measures are in place to mitigate any potential conflicts, the FIA is satisfied that FOM’s compliance management system is robust enough to prevent any unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.
“The FIA can confirm that there is no ongoing investigation in terms of ethical or disciplinary inquiries involving any individual.
“As the regulator, the FIA has a duty to maintain the integrity of global motorsport. The FIA reaffirms its commitment to integrity and fairness.”
An article by BBC’s Andrew Benson on Wednesday said, “The controversy has been interpreted by senior figures in F1 as the result of a fight between Toto Wolff and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“Insiders have said Ben Sulayem has not appreciated Wolff’s interventions in recent months on a number of key F1 matters, both publicly and in private.”
Photo credit: FIA
