Photo by Qian Jun/MB Media/Getty Images
Speaking at the FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony, Lewis Hamilton addressed the FIA’s inquiry
The 2023 FIA Prize-Giving ceremony is underway in Baku, where the world’s motorsport governing body will officially recognize the best performances of the 2023 season. That includes Formula 1, where Max Verstappen will collect his third-straight Drivers’ Championship, and Red Bull will be crowned the Constructors’ Champion for the second straight season.
However, things are anything but smooth in the F1 world.
A bizarre week draws to a close with pomp, circumstance, and fiery accusations and denials. Earlier in the week, FIA announced a “compliance investigation” into reports of a breach of confidential information involving an F1 team principal, and a member of Formula One Management (FOM). Subsequent reporting centered on Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff, and F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff.
After fierce denials from Mercedes and Susie Wolff, as well as all nine other F1 teams both denying any involvement and backing the F1 Academy and its Managing Director, FIA released another statement on Thursday, closing the matter without any disciplinary action.
However, the story is certainly not over.
Both Toto Wolff — through Mercedes — and Susie Wolff have released statements today, with the F1 team indicating that legal action is being considered, and the F1 Academy boss wondering “[i]s that all?” regarding FIA’s quick dismissal of the investigation.
Now seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton is joining the fray. Speaking at the FIA ceremony, Hamilton blasted FIA’s investigation as “disappointing,” and later terming it “unacceptable:”
Lewis Hamilton at the FIA gala: “Disappointing to see 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 and without any evidence. It’s unacceptable.”
— Andrew Benson (@andrewbensonf1) December 8, 2023
Hamilton continued:
Hamilton cont’d: “There is a constant fight to really improve diversity and inclusion within the industry. It 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.”
— Andrew Benson (@andrewbensonf1) December 8, 2023
From the FIA’s perspective, this matter might be closed.
From various other perspectives, however, it might just be getting started.
