Mercedes considers legal action after outcry over FIA 'investigation'

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has issued a statement via the team, following the FIA's findings into the allegations of conflict of interest.

The allegations revolved around "media speculation" that a number of rival Team Principal's had made complaints over the exchange of sensitive information between Wolff and his wife Susie Wolff, who is Managing Director of the F1 Academy.

Nine of the other teams subsequently denied they had contacted the FIA, while F1, Mercedes and Susie Wolff also refuted the claims.

After an investigation, the governing body determined that "appropriate protective measures are in place" to prevent any potential conflicts of interest.

Susie Wolff issued a further statement, criticising the FIA and vowing to uncover who "instigated a campaign" to discredit her.

Mercedes are now considering their legal options, confirming they are in "active legal exchange" with the FIA over the matter.

Mercedes issue statement

In a statement, Wolff said: "We understand that there is significant media interest in the events of this week. We are currently in active legal exchange with the FIA.

"We await full transparency about what took place and why, and have expressly reserved all legal rights. Therefore we ask for your understanding that we will not be commenting officially for now, but we will certainly address the matter in due course."