Wolff reacts to FIA verdict in conflict of interest episode

Susie Wolff has issued a further statement following the FIA verdict into the conflict of interest allegations.

The governing body had looked into "media speculation" surrounding rival teams, who allegedly made complaints over the potential for conflict of interest.

These complaints were over the exchange of sensitive information between Susie Wolff in her position as Managing Director for F1 Academy, and husband and Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff.

Nine of the F1 teams subsequently issued statements asserting that they had not made complaints to the FIA, while F1, Mercedes, and Susie Wolff refuted the claims.

Just over 24 hours after the statements were made, the FIA announced its own findings and determined that there was no potential for foul play.

Now Wolff has issued another statement, which states that she was the subject of online abuse and had her reputation called into question.

Wolff issues statement

In a post on social media, Wolff said: "When I saw the statement issued by the FIA yesterday evening, my first reaction was: "Is that it?".

"For two days, insinuations have been made about my integrity in public and through background briefings, but nobody from the FIA has spoken to me directly.

"I might have been collateral damage in an unsuccessful attack on somebody else, or the target of a failed attempt to discredit me personally, but I have worked too hard to have my reputation called into question by an unfounded press release.

"We have come a long way as a sport. I was extremely thankful for the unified support of the Formula One teams. I have worked with so many passionate women and men at F1 and the FIA, who have the very best interests of our sport at heart.

"However, this episode has so far taken place without transparency or accountability. I have received online abuse about my work and my family. I will not allow myself to be intimidated and intend to follow up until I have found out who has instigated this campaign and misled the media.

"What happened this week is simply not good enough. As a sport, we must demand, and we deserve, better."