The FIA has announced its verdict after analysing an alleged conflict of interest involving Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff. Wolff has headed the Mercedes squad since 2013 and is married to Susie Wolff, who is the managing director of the F1 Academy racing series, managed by Formula 1's commercial rights holders (FOM). It was reported that some rival teams had made complaints to the FIA over the potential for a conflict of interest between the pair, with Toto potentially having confidential information relating to FOM while Susie could have access to private discussions between Team Principals. The FIA announced that it was looking into the subject which prompted a response from Mercedes, F1 and Susie Wolff who refuted the claims. Those at the centre of the allegations received support from the nine other F1 teams who released a joint statement asserting that they had not complained to the FIA.
24 hours after the statement from the teams was made public, the FIA announced its own findings - determining that it is satisfied that there is no potential for foul play to be involved due to the high-ranking positions of the Wolff duo. The FIA statement read: “Following a review of Formula One Management’s F1 Code of Conduct and F1 Conflict of Interest Policy and confirmation that appropriate protective measures are in place to mitigate any potential conflicts, the FIA is satisfied that FOM’s compliance management system is robust enough to prevent any unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. “The FIA can confirm that there is no ongoing investigation in terms of ethical or disciplinary inquiries involving any individual. “As the regulator, the FIA has a duty to maintain the integrity of global motorsport. The FIA reaffirms its commitment to integrity and fairness.”
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