F1 News: Lewis Hamilton Stands By Susie Wolff's FIA Lawsuit -"I've Never Supported Ben Sulayem"
Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton has openly declared his lack of support for FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. His statement coincides with Susie Wolff's legal action against the FIA, challenging the federation's previous allegations against her. Hamilton made his position clear as he fully supports Wolff in the situation.
Key Takeaways:
- Lewis Hamilton has unequivocally stated he has never backed FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, amidst the controversy involving Susie Wolff.
- Susie Wolff, managing director of the F1 Academy, has filed a legal complaint against the FIA, stemming from a disputed investigation last year.
- The lawsuit highlights issues of transparency and accountability within FIA, underlining the need for a trustworthy and open governing body in motorsports.
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Lewis Hamilton has made it clear that he has never been in support of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This revelation comes at a critical time when Susie Wolff, the F1 Academy's managing director and the spouse of Mercedes' team principal, Toto Wolff, has taken a significant step by filing a criminal lawsuit against the FIA in France.
Hamilton's lack of support for the FIA chief was highlighted during the Drivers Press Conference ahead of the Australian Grand Prix weekend, where he was questioned about Sulayem's role and recent decisions, especially following the clearance of allegations related to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the Las Vegas circuit approvals. Hamilton's response was swift and clear:
"He never has [had my support]."
The core of this controversy traces back to Susie Wolff's bold move against the FIA, following a contentious investigation last year that put her and her husband under undue scrutiny. The investigation, which was later dismissed due to insufficient evidence, questioned the integrity and reputation of Wolff, prompting her to seek legal recourse.
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Hamilton expressed his admiration for Wolff's courage, stating:
"I'm incredibly proud of Susie. I think she is so brave, and she stands for such great values. She's such a leader, and in a world where often people are silenced, for her to be standing up sends such a great message.
"I love that she's taken it out of this world, because there is a real lack of accountability here, within this sport, within the FIA, things that are happening behind closed doors, there is no transparency, there is really no accountability, and we need that. I think the fans need that.
"How can you trust the sport and what is happening here if you don't have that? Hopefully this stand that she's taking now will create change, will have a positive impact, and especially for women."
The essence of Wolff's lawsuit, and Hamilton's support, underscores a broader concern within the motorsports community - the necessity for transparent governance and accountable leadership within the FIA. Wolff's legal action not only seeks to clear her name but also to instigate a much-needed dialogue about the operational transparency of motorsport's governing bodies.
Wolff, in her statement, articulated the emotional and professional toll the FIA's allegations had on her, emphasising the need for accountability and the right to defend one's reputation. Her lawsuit, therefore, is not just a personal battle but a stand against the opaque practices that undermine the integrity of motorsports.
Wolff stated:
“I can confirm that I have personally filed a criminal complaint in the French courts on the 4 March in relation to the statements made about me by the FIA last December.
“There has still not been any transparency or accountability in relation to the conduct of the FIA and its personnel in this matter.
“I feel more than ever it is important to stand up, call out improper behaviour and make sure people are held to account.
“Whilst some may think silence absolves them from responsibility - it does not.”