08 December 2023 , 15:00
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Lewis Hamilton slammed the FIA for its "unacceptable" probe into Toto and Susie Wolff, which left them feeling "attacked".
On Tuesday, Formula 1's governing body announced an investigation into an unnamed team principal and Formula One Management employee. Shortly after, they were named as Mercedes chief Toto and F1 Academy managing director Susie.
But the Wolffs and the Mercedes team all denied the allegation that there may have been a "conflict of interest" in their respective roles. And, after the nine other F1 teams all denied having complained to the FIA about their relationship, the probe was dropped on Thursday.
But Hamilton feels that move was too little, too late. Speaking at the FIA Prize Gala in Baku on Friday, the seven-time world champion fumed about the whole sorry affair.
He said: "Disappointing to see the governing body questioning the integrity of one of the most incredible female leaders we've had in our sport, without questioning, without any evidence, then just saying sorry at the end, that's just unacceptable.
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"There is a constant fight to really improve diversity and inclusion within the industry, but it seems there are certain individuals within the leadership of the FIA that every time we make a step forward they're trying to pull us back and that has to change."
Having declared herself "deeply insulted" by the allegations earlier this week, Susie Wolff released another statement on Friday in response to the FIA's announcement that the probe had been ended. She wrote: "When I saw the statement issued by the FIA yesterday evening, my first reaction was, 'Is that it?'
Toto Wolff and Susie Wolff have been angered by the FIA's handling of the allegations (Kym Illman/Getty Images)"For two days, insinuations have been made about my integrity in public and through background briefings, but nobody from the FIA has spoken to me directly. I might have been collateral damage in an unsuccessful attack on somebody else, or the target of a failed attempt to discredit me personally, but I have worked too hard to have my reputation called into question by an unfounded press release.
"We have come a long way as a sport. I was extremely thankful for the unified support of the Formula 1 teams. I have worked with so many passionate women and men at F1 and the FIA, who have the very best interests of our sport at heart.
“However, this episode has so far taken place without transparency or accountability. I have received online abuse about my work and my family. I will not allow myself to be intimidated and intend to follow up until I have found out who has instigated this campaign and misled the media. What happened this week is simply not good enough. As a sport, we must demand, and we deserve, better."
Husband Toto also shared a statement, for the first time since the initial announcement was made by the FIA. The quote, circulated by the Mercedes team, read: " We understand that there is significant media interest in the events of this week. We are currently in active legal exchange with the FIA.
"We await full transparency about what place and why, and have expressly reserved all legal rights. Therefore we ask for your understanding that we will not be commenting officially for now, but we will certainly address the matter in due course."
Meanwhile, FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem is in attendance at the end-of-season awards ceremony. But his role has been scaled back after an accident earlier this week while in the Azerbaijani capital. "Several days ago the president took ill and suffered a fall and concussion. He received care in hospital and will make a full recovery," said a spokesperson for the governing body.