After the FIA opened an inquiry into the marriage, Lewis Hamilton publicly endorsed Susie Wolff.
Lewis Hamilton has openly expressed his support for F1 Academy head Susie Wolff and the principal of his own team, following the couple’s FIA inquiry into claims that they were exchanging private information.
The dispute came to light when an article in Business F1 magazine stated that many grid team principals had protested to the FIA, expressing worries that Toto and Susie Wolff had exchanged private information.
Toto has been the Mercedes team leader since 2013, while Susie reports directly to CEO Stefano Domenicali as the head of F1 Academy. The first report said that several remarks made by the latter at team principle meetings had raised concerns.
Susie posted a statement on Instagram following the investigation’s start, saying, “I am deeply insulted but sadly unsurprised by the public allegations that have been made this evening.”
“It is disheartening that my integrity is being called into question in such a manner, especially when it seems to be rooted in intimidatory and misogynistic behaviour, and focused on my marital status rather than my abilities.
“Throughout my career in motorsport, I have encountered and overcome numerous obstacles and I refuse to let these baseless allegations overshadow my dedication and passion for F1 Academy.
“As a woman in this sport, I have faced my fair share of challenges but my commitment to breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations to succeed remains unwavering. In the strongest possible terms, I reject these allegations.”
Despite the reported complaints from fellow F1 team principals, the remaining nine teams issued synchronized statements expressing their support for the implicated couple, thereby distancing themselves from the allegations.
The coordinated statement 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.
“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.”
