Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff Accused Of Exchanging Confidential Information: FIA To Open An Investigation

The FIA is looking into Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff and his wife Susie, who runs the F1 Academy, over a possible conflict of interest.

In response to reports from rival team managers questioning if the two had been exchanging information that was private to Formula One Management (FOM), the FIA took action.

Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff Accused Of Exchanging Confidential Information: FIA To Open An Investigation

Following the revelation of the probe on Tuesday, Susie Wolff, Mercedes, and Formula One have all released comments refuting the claims.

The Associated Press reports that due to the terms of the agreement, Susie works under F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali’s supervision and has exclusive access to the daily activities and business dealings of the company that approves the competitions her husband’s Mercedes team competes in.

The governing body that oversees Formula One races, the FIA, has now revealed that it is investigating claims that Toto obtained inside information from Susie after he “made comments in a recent meeting that included details [other teams] felt could only have come from F1.” Things have now taken an extremely interesting turn.

There has been no indication of the content of those remarks, and at this point, it’s unclear what type of information Wolff might have gotten that would have theoretically given Mercedes an advantage.

The magazine also features an incident from 2022 in which it is said that Toto Wolff disclosed knowledge about the cost cap penalties that were going to be imposed on a few clubs, including Red Bull.

Furthermore, Business F1 details another episode from this season in which it appeared that the Mercedes CEO had disclosed exclusive information from Formula One Management (FOM) at a meeting with team principals.

The FIA released a statement on Tuesday, indicating that an investigation was underway. “The FIA is aware of media speculation centred on the allegation of information of a confidential nature being passed to an F1 team principal from a member of FOM personnel. The FIA Compliance Department is looking in to the matter.”

F1 refuted the allegations in a statement following the FIA’s announcement of its inquiry.

“We note the public statement made by the FIA this evening that was not shared with us in advance,” the statement from F1 said. “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 said in a statement on social media: “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.”

Who is Toto Wolff’s wife?

The 51-year-old Austrian has just received an official warning from the stewards for his foul-mouthed outburst during last month’s Grand Prix in Las Vegas, where he defended the organization that owns the racetrack, Liberty Media, to which his wife Susie, a 40-year-old former driver, is employed to run the F1 Academy exclusively for women.

What is the salary of Toto Wolff?

Toto Wolff has surpassed competitor Christian Horner and makes more money than more than half of the Formula One grid. According to French magazine Sportune, the Mercedes star is thought to be paid an incredible £13.9 million (€16 million) year, making him the most-paid team chief in the sport.

 

FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE- 

NFL Week 14 Coverage Map 2023: TV Schedule FOX & CBS