Former F1 steward sees no obstacles in Wolff challenge for FIA presidency

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has reacted to the possibility of Susie Wolff challenging Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the FIA presidency.

Earlier this week, reports emerged that Wolff is weighing up the potential for a bid to become the next president of F1's governing body.

Ben Sulayem has been in the position since the end of 2021, when he took over responsibilities from long-time leader Jean Todt.

Wolff, who is the wife of Mercedes team principal Toto, is a former race driver and currently works as the managing director of F1 Academy.

Herbert believes Wolff is experienced enough to launch a competitive campaign against Ben Sulayem this year.

“Susie Wolff challenging Mohammed Ben Sulayem should not be a problem,” Herbert told casinoapps.com.

“Susie Wolff has got a wealth of experience as a driver in various forms of motorsport from her time at Williams and driving F1 cars, the GTM series, the German Touring Car Series as well, obviously being married to Toto and now doing the F1 Academy at the same time. 

“She's got a lot of good experience.” 

In late 2023, the FIA opened an investigation into Susie and husband Toto amid allegations of a conflict of interest and a potential breach of confidentiality.

Wolff hit out at the allegations after the FIA dropped the investigation and stated she was “deeply insulted” by the situation, subsequently taking legal action against the FIA.

With the next FIA presidential election due to take place in December of this year, Herbert views Wolff as a strong candidate for the role.

“She's a very clever lady that could add a lot to the future of F1,” he said. “If she feels she can add something, then why not?”