'Is That It?': FIA Statement Not Enough For Susie Wolff After 'Online Abuse'

Friday, 08 December 2023 at 13:06

Updated at Friday, 08 December 2023 at 13:09

Susie Wolff responded to the conclusion of the investigation against her and her husband, Toto Wolff, released yesterday evening.

FIA concluded the investigation against Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff yesterday evening.

The organization shared a statement reading: "The FIA can confirm that there is no ongoing investigation in terms of ethical or disciplinary inquiries involving any individual."

While the investigation is over, Susie Wolff responded to the statement saying it was not enough after her integrity was publicly questioned and her reputation damaged.

"When I saw the statement issued by the FIA yesterday evening, my first reaction was: 'Is that it?' For two days, insinuations have been made about my integrity in public and through background briefings, but nobody from the FIA has spoken to me directly."

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The investigation was concluded shortly after all F1 teams put out a unified statement mentioning they did not do anything to initiate the investigation and expressing their support for Susie Wolff and F1 Academy.

"We have come a long way as a sport. I was extremely thankful for the unified support of the Formula One teams. I have worked with so many passionate women and men at Fl and the FIA, who have the very best interests of our sport at heart."

What's more, Wolff shared has become a target of online abuse over the last few days as a consequence of the unfounded allegations.

"However, this episode has so far taken place without transparency or accountability. I have received online abuse about my work and my family."

As a result, the F1 Academy manager won't just accept what happened and plans to follow up until she finds the person responsible. Wolff added:

"I will not allow myself to be intimidated and intend to follow up until I have found out who has instigated this campaign and misled the media."

There might be an option for Susie Wolff, Toto Wolff, and Mercedes to seek redress after having their reputations damaged. See Wolff's full statement below.