In preparation for the Australian Grand Prix, Susie Wolff has officially filed a criminal complaint against the FIA.
This move comes amidst a renewed call from George Russell for increased transparency within Formula 1, particularly in light of recent developments involving the FIA.
Susie Wolff, who is married to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, confirmed the filing of the complaint on Wednesday evening, citing concerns regarding the governing body’s actions.
The basis for her objection traces back to an investigation earlier in the year, which involved both herself and Toto. This investigation was initiated following an alleged complaint from competitors regarding a potential conflict of interest arising from their respective roles.
Ultimately, the case was resolved after the Wolffs received unanimous support from the remaining nine F1 teams.
The FIA has found itself embroiled in more than one controversy this year. In addition to the Wolff situation, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem faced scrutiny and investigation for purported interference, although he was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing.
In response to inquiries regarding Ben Sulayem’s suitability to lead the FIA, Russell stated, “As drivers, we have a role within the team that you trust that the leaders in this sport have the best interest at their heart rather than their own interests.
“It goes back to the transparency side of things.”
Hamilton expressed his support for Susie Wolff regarding her complaint against the FIA, commending her as “brave” for taking such action.
Russell has reiterated his call for increased transparency in investigative processes, emphasizing that a lack of clarity reflects poorly on the situation.
“If things are transparent and we see the outcome of these cases, we all have a chance to judge for ourselves, with all of the facts and figures in front of us,” Russell stated.
“But when we don’t have the facts and figures and there is no transparency, you always think something is being hidden.
“That’s why I think it’s so important for the sport now to send the right message, to everybody who’s supporting Formula 1, watching Formula 1, wants to be involved in Formula 1, that things aren’t just swept under the carpet.”
