© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Against a backdrop of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s old sexist remarks, Susie Wolff says she is “insulted” by allegations made against her and her husband Toto Wolff.
A recent report from BusinessF1 magazine has suggested that Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff and his wife, F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff are allegedly disclosing confidential information to each other.
The FIA then announced they have opened an investigation into the matter, but refrained from naming any names.
Immediately afterwards, Formula 1 came out with a statement of its own, claiming that they have not been notified of any such investigation, and completely denying the allegations.
The Mercedes F1 Team also denied the allegations and said that they have not been contacted by the FIA, and had to learn about the investigation from the media.
Susie Wolff has so far been the only directly implicated person to come out with a statement of her own.
“I am deeply insulted but sadly unsurprised by the public allegations that have been made this evening,” Susie wrote on social media.
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“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.
“As a woman in this sport, I have faced my fair share of challenges but my commitment to breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations to succeed remains unwavering.
“In the strongest possible terms, I reject these allegations,” Wolff concluded.
It has been alleged that FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has personally lobbied for the FIA to open the investigation against the Wolffs, so Susie’s comments regarding misogyny might be referring to his past sexist remarks.
More specifically, Ben Sulayem has been scrutinised earlier this year for sexist comments he wrote on his old website, such as stating that he does “not like women who think they are smarter than men, for they are not in truth”.
