Hamilton blasts 'unacceptable' FIA inquiry into Wolff family

Lewis Hamilton has hit out at the FIA's “unacceptable” probe into Toto and Susie Wolff amid allegations over a conflict of interest.

The FIA announced earlier this week that it was looking into media speculation that rival teams had made complaints to the governing body relating to the married couple.

The allegations related to an alleged exchange of information between Susie Wolff in her role as Managing Director for F1 Academy and her husband Toto Wolff, who is Team Principal at Mercedes.

However, all rival teams denied that they had voiced a complaint to the FIA, who announced on Thursday that it found no evidence of the potential for foul play.

Mercedes confirmed on Friday ahead of the FIA Prize-Giving Gala that it was in a legal exchange with the governing body over the matter.

Speaking to media including RacingNews365.com, Hamilton questioned the FIA's process.

“It’s been a challenging week, disappointing really to see that 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 [or] without any evidence,” he said.

“Then saying sorry at the end, that's just unacceptable. So we've got a lot of great people within the sport who are doing amazing work.

“There is a constant fight to really improve diversity and inclusion within the industry.

“But it seems that there are certain individuals in the leadership within the FIA that every time we try and make a step forward, they're trying to pull us back. And that has to change.”

Hamilton calls for change

Hamilton has long been outspoken on matters such as diversity and inclusivity in F1.

The seven-time World Champion has called on changes to be made to ensure the sport is being pushed in the “right direction” going forward.

“This is a global sport,” he added. “And we have such an incredible opportunity and a responsibility to be leaders of change.

“As we're travelling to all those countries around the world, we have a responsibility to make sure that we push in the right direction.

“So I do want to acknowledge that there are a lot of people out that are doing great work.

“But we need to make some changes to make sure that we're all pushing in the right direction.”