Lewis Hamilton has offered a public show of support for Susie Wolff after an FIA investigation into the couple was launched.
Lewis Hamilton has publicly shown his support for F1 Academy boss Susie Wolff and his own team principal after the couple were placed under investigation by the FIA following allegations that they were sharing confidential information between them.
The dispute came to light when an article in Business F1 magazine stated that several grid team principals had complained to the FIA, expressing worries that Toto and Susie Wolff had exchanged private information.
Toto has been the Mercedes team principal since 2013, while Susie reports directly to CEO Stefano Domenicali as the director of F1 Academy. The initial report claimed that some remarks made by the latter during team principal meetings had raised concerns.
Susie posted a statement on Instagram following the investigation’s start, saying, “I am deeply insulted but sadly unsurprised by the public allegations that have been made this evening.”
It is depressing that my integrity is being questioned in this way, especially since it appears to be based on misogynistic and intimidating behavior and is more concerned with my marital status than with my skills.
“I have faced and conquered many challenges in my motorsport career, and I will not allow these unfounded accusations to diminish my commitment to and enthusiasm for F1 Academy.
“I’ve had my share of difficulties as a woman in this sport, but I’m still fully committed to shattering stereotypes and opening doors for upcoming generations. I deny these accusations in the strongest terms imaginable.
Following Susie’s comment on his Instagram story, Hamilton publicly expressed his support for her husband by reposting it and including an emoji that said “thank you.”
All nine other F1 teams distanced themselves from the accusations by releasing coordinated statements of support for the pair, even though it appeared that other team principals were complaining.
“We can confirm that we have not made any complaints to the FIA regarding the allegation of confidential information being passed between an F1 team principal and a member of FOM staff,” the coordinated statement stated.
“We are happy and proud to support the managing director of F1 Academy by agreeing to sponsor a competitor wearing our liveries starting in the upcoming season.”
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