Mercedes F1 blasts reported FIA compliance investigation into Toto Wolff
After F1’s governing body issued a statement regarding an investigation into Toto and Susie Wolff, Mercedes is firing back
Earlier today, Formula 1’s governing body the FIA issued a statement that indicated a compliance investigation was underway into Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff. In recent days, media reports have emerged alleging concern that the Mercedes boss has been made privy to confidential information not shared with other team principals.
Now, the team is firing back.
Mercedes issued a statement on social media Tuesday, denying the allegations and asserting that they have not received any communication regarding such an investigation. The statement read in part that “[t]he Team has received no communication from the FIA Compliance Department on this topic and it was highly surprising to learn of the investigation through a media statement.”
The statement also flatly denied the underlying allegations.
“We wholly reject the allegation in the statement and associated media coverage, which wrongly impinges on the integrity and compliance of our Team Principal.”
You can see the entire statement here:
Team Statement pic.twitter.com/aUiOxteF9o
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 5, 2023
Also Tuesday, F1 themselves pushed back on the reports of an investigation. A statement released by Formula One Management noted that the FIA’s announcement was not shared with them in advance. In addition, FOM stated that:
“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.”
Susie Wolff, Toto Wolff’s wife, is the director of the F1 Academy.
She too blasted the reported investigation, and allegations, on social media:
This post will be updated as more information becomes available.