Formula 1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff has confirmed that her defamation lawsuit against the FIA is still “very much alive,” nearly two years after a controversial conflict-of-interest probe sparked the legal action.
The saga began in December 2023 when the FIA launched a lightning-fast investigation into potential conflicts between Wolff’s F1 Academy role and her husband Toto Wolff’s position at Mercedes.
The probe, which was prompted by anonymous whispers, was shelved just 48 hours later.
Despite the rapid conclusion, Wolff argues the short-lived inquiry unleashed a torrent of negative media scrutiny that severely damaged her professional integrity.
“I refused to be treated that way,” Wolff told The Times, explaining that the probe created “a huge amount of articles doubting my integrity.”
Though nine of the ten F1 teams swiftly denied lodging any complaints, and the FIA issued a statement confirming robust compliance measures were in place, Wolff felt the response was insufficient.
Her decision to pursue legal action in early 2024 was a stand against what she saw as institutional overreach and an attack on her character.
