The former multi-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton spoke about the “unacceptable” behaviour of the FIA towards the Managing Director of F1 Academy Susie Wolff. The FIA had decided to investigate an alleged conflict of interest regarding a Formula One Management and the F1 Team Boss, who were revealed to be Susie Wolff and Toto Wolff respectively.
Also Read: F1: Susie Wolff slams “misogynistic” behaviour; rejects conflict of interest with Toto Wolff
A report from BusinessF1 Magazine, which led to Susie Wolff and Mercedes being named in the alleged conflict of interest matter, followed by quickly released statements from both to deny all the allegations. Shortly after, Mercedes started to explore legal avenues to prove their case.
Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes talked to the media before the FIA Prize Giving Ceremony 2023 in Baku, calling into question why the governing body of the sport went after Susie Wolff “without any evidence.” He was quoted as saying, “It’s been a challenging week, 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 in Susie Wolff without questioning, without any evidence. And then just saying ‘sorry’ at the end, and that’s just unacceptable.”
Certain individuals in FIA leadership are trying to pull us back, says Lewis Hamilton
The 38-year-old also remarked that while some are doing amazing work within the sport, there are certain individuals in the FIA leadership trying to pull everyone back. Lewis Hamilton was quoted as saying, “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 seems there are certain individuals in the leadership of the FIA that every time we try and make a step forward they are trying to pull us back, and that has to change.”