The FIA, under the leadership of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has executed a dramatic about-face following its short-lived Formula 1 probe into a scandal involving Toto Wolff and his wife Susie.
The investigation, sparked by a lone report in Business F1 magazine, essentially accused Mercedes chief Wolff and his wife, now the managing director of the F1 Academy, of conflict of interest and sharing confidential information. However, the evidence, or rather the lack of it, quickly turned the tables. “There is not even any circumstantial evidence,” declared Michel Milewski, a Bild newspaper correspondent, pointing out the shaky foundation of the inquiry. “The trigger was a single report in Business F1 – a magazine that has been considered dubious in the paddock since its publication, with a questionable reputation,” he added.
This incident, which Milewski describes as an “unprecedented event,” hinted at a potential political agenda within the FIA and its president. In an extraordinary show of unity, every F1 team rallied in support of Mercedes and the Wolffs, publicly denying any involvement in the call for investigation.
What seemed like a routine media statement turned into a historic Formula 1 moment, as per Milewski. “The teams’ support for Wolff was a resounding verbal slap in the face for Mohammed Ben Sulayem. And he and his federation deserved it, too.”
Amid speculations of legal action from Mercedes and the Wolffs against Ben Sulayem for reputational damage, the FIA abruptly dropped the investigation. In a new statement, the FIA confidently assured that “appropriate protective measures are in place to mitigate any potential conflicts” and prevent “any unauthorised disclosure of confidential information,” adding, “The FIA can confirm that there is no ongoing investigation in terms of ethical or disciplinary inquiries involving any individual.”
Bild newspaper called this a humiliating step back for the FIA and its chief. “Too often, the FIA under this ex-racing driver makes itself the laughing stock of the motorsport world,” Milewski criticized, suggesting that Ben Sulayem might have to consider stepping down.
Mario Salvini of La Gazzetta dello Sport also chimed in, acknowledging the investigation’s spectacular failure. “The unanimous reaction of the nine teams must have shocked the FIA,” he wrote. Salvini speculated that someone convinced Ben Sulayem of the Business F1 story’s credibility, but the team’s united front left the FIA with no option but to retract.
Looking ahead to the imminent FIA awards in Baku, Salvini anticipates an intriguing dynamic between Stefano Domenicali, representing Liberty and FOM, and Ben Sulayem.
