Lewis Hamilton left disappointed with how FIA handled the recent conflict case involving Toto and Susie Wolff without evidence.
It has been quite a week especially for the FIA and the Mercedes camp. A report kick-started a storm where the governing body took action and asked for clarity. It did not name anyone but it was linked to Toto Wolff and Susie Wolff.
The report noted about potential conflict and passing of information between Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff and F1 Academy’s Susie Wolff – the latter being a FOM employee. Despite not naming them, it created a media storm with allegations thrown around.
Both Mercedes and Susie released statements turning down those allegations, as the nine F1 teams released a unified message where they clarified that they did not make any complaints. The FIA eventually dropped the case citing FOM’s robust system.
The case didn’t end as both Toto and Susie were left disappointed with a mere ‘sorry’ from the governing body after they put up unfounded allegations on them. There is even a legal dialogue happening with the FIA to ascertain why all of this happened.
This co-incided with the FIA Gala in Baku where Hamilton was present to collect his third place trophy. Even though he wasn’t asked directly, the Brit slipped in his disappointment where he pointed out some people discouraging diversity and pulling them back.
“It’s been a challenging week,” Hamilton said in between an answer. “I think a disappointing week really to see that the governing body of our sport has sought to question the integrity of one of the most incredible female leaders we’ve ever had in our sport, with Susie Wolff, without questioning, without any evidence, and then just saying ‘sorry’ at the end. And that’s just unacceptable.
“We’ve got a lot of great people within the sport that are doing amazing work. There is a constant fight to really improve diversity and inclusion within the industry. But it seems that there are certain individuals in the leadership within the FIA that every time we try and make a step forward, they’re trying to pull us back. And that has to change.
“I think this is a global sport. And we have such an incredible opportunity and a natural responsibility to be leaders of change. And as we’re travelling to all those countries around the world, we have a responsibility to make sure that we’re pushing in the right direction. So I do want to acknowledge that there are a lot of people that are doing great work. But we need to make some changes to make sure that we’re all pushing in the right direction,” summed up Hamilton.
Here’s how the FIA Gala went
Here’s news on Mohammed Ben Sulayem being ill
Here’s latest from Toto and Susie Wolff
Here’s FIA on 2024 Sporting Regulations
Here’s F1 revealing venues of sprint races
Here’s new report on Madrid GP
Here’s FIA alerting F1 fans
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