Wolff hits out at FIA investigation: ‘It caused great damage’

Toto Wolff has lashed out at the FIA’s investigation into an alleged conflict of interest breach late last year, stating it caused “great damage” to his family’s reputation.

In December, the FIA declared that it was looking into suggestions that confidential information had been passed between Wolff and his wife Susie.

It was alleged that Toto Wolff had access to Formula One Management (FOM) talks, otherwise unavailable to rival team bosses, while Susie Wolff was privy to discussions between the team Principals due to her close relationship with Toto.

However, each of F1’s current teams came to the defence of the Wolff family by releasing a joint statement and soon after, the FIA dropped its investigation.

Both Toto and Susie Wolff were left displeased by the situation, with Wolff telling media at the time that the FIA “crossed a line”.

Now, speaking to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Wolff has asserted that there was “great damage” dealt amid the saga.

“We have millions of people watching us, so we should always be examples for what we say and what we do,” he said.

“The investigation that was opened and closed in two days caused great damage and that is not something you expect from the F1 world at large.

“If we want to make the sport increasingly professional, we have to look to bring more transparency where there is none and a standard of the highest level as possible.

“That is my position. I cannot speak for Susie, but she is a person who does not give up, she possesses great perseverance.

“It is not the first time she has confronted a difficult situation and she will go to the end in any court case.

“When you google her name now, the investigation immediately comes up at the top. The bullet has come out of the gun and you can't put it back in.”