Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton criticized the International Automobile Federation and supported the “courage” of Susie Wolff after she filed a criminal complaint against the organization that oversees motorsport on the planet before the French courts.
Wolff, who is married to Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff and is the director of the F1 Academy, a women’s series, said on Wednesday that she had initiated legal proceedings “in connection with statements issued against me” by the FIA.
The Wolff couple were investigated by the FIA last December after it was alleged they had shared confidential information with each other. This initiative was triggered following allegations of conflict of interest published in the pages of the magazine BusinessF1.
The FIA, however, ended the investigation 48 hours later, after almost identical statements from the other nine teams in the field were issued denying that they had filed a complaint. Susie Wolff therefore filed a lawsuit on March 4.
For his part, Hamilton reiterated his support for Wolff during Thursday’s media day at Albert Park, ahead of Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix. He also complained about the FIA’s lack of responsibility in this matter. “I am incredibly proud of Susie Wolff,” Hamilton first said. She is very courageous, and she defends very good values. She is definitely a leader. And in a world where people are sometimes gagged, his decision to stand up sends a powerful message. »
“I am very happy that she has decided to move this debate outside of this universe [la F1], because the organization that oversees this sport, the FIA, shows no desire to take responsibility. Everything happens behind the scenes; there is no transparency, and even less a desire to assume responsibility,” added the Briton.
Hamilton stressed the importance of Wolff’s gesture, especially in a sport like F1 “which is dominated by men”. “It’s still a male-dominated sport. And we live in a time where the message is: “if you file a complaint, you will be fired,” he said. This is a terrible message to send to the entire planet, especially as we try to promote inclusiveness. »
Asked if Ben Sulayem, the president of the FIA, still had his confidence, Hamilton replied: “he never had it”.
On Wednesday, the FIA ethics committee cleared Ben Sulayem of complaints that were filed by a whistleblower, who alleged the organization’s president intervened on two occasions last season to change on-track results .
On track, Hamilton said he was optimistic to see his Mercedes contend for podiums and victories later this season. He has not stood on the top step of a podium since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021. The 39-year-old has won twice in his career at the Australian Grand Prix, his last victory coming to 2015.