Mercedes is apparently exploring legal action against the FIA for alleged reputational harm caused by the governing body’s investigation of Toto Wolff.
The FIA said on Tuesday that they will investigate an alleged sharing of sensitive information between Toto and Susie Wolff, but after only two days, they concluded that there was no breach.
However, it is the FIA’s approach, first saying that many team principals had protested and the absence of previous notice given to the team.
Mercedes contemplating FIA pushback
Late on Tuesday evening, the FIA sparked controversy by revealing they were investigating a reported incident involving the passing of confidential information from a member of FOM personnel to a Formula 1 team principal. Toto Wolff and Susie Wolff were identified as the individuals involved, as per speculation from BusinessF1 magazine. However, the credibility of this source was questioned, prompting PlanetF1.com to seek clarification on the investigation’s basis. A notable FIA source initially indicated that multiple team principals had lodged complaints.
Subsequently, all nine other teams contradicted this claim, issuing identical statements denying any such complaints and expressing support for Susie Wolff.
A day before Max Verstappen’s scheduled reception of his Drivers’ Championship trophy at the FIA’s prize gala, the FIA declared they found no breach and expressed confidence in FOM’s compliance management system.
Despite concluding the investigation, the fallout seems far from over. The FIA’s handling of the process has stirred discontent among both Mercedes and the wider Formula 1 community, suggesting that the repercussions of this episode are likely to linger.
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The same FIA source alleged that a letter was sent to both Mercedes and F1 concurrent with the media statement, although Mercedes has refuted receiving any such correspondence.
There are indications that Mercedes might contemplate taking its own measures in response. BBC’s Andrew Benson suggested via Twitter that the Silver Arrows might pursue recourse from the FIA for the perceived “reputational damage” inflicted upon the company.
Additionally, investigations conducted by PlanetF1.com indicate the credibility of the claim made by Benson.
Benson’s tweets further assert that influential figures within the realm of Formula 1 are casting doubts on the judgment of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Previously, there were insinuations that FOM owners Liberty Media might consider breaking away from the FIA. However, F1 refuted these claims when approached by PlanetF1.com, stating they were false.
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