Lewis Hamilton, a longstanding figure in Formula One, has consistently regarded Toto Wolff as his enduring leader and Susie as an exceptional female leader. However, the current incident involving accusations against the Wolff family compelled Hamilton to address the matter during a prize-giving ceremony.
Expressing his concern over the perceived unfair treatment by the FIA, Hamilton spoke out against the actions against the Wolff family, declaring them as completely unacceptable.
Lewis Hamilton slams FIA
On Thursday, the FIA officially declared the conclusion of the investigation into Susie and Toto Wolff. The investigation was dropped after determining that Formula One’s compliance rules were robust enough to prevent any breaches of confidentiality.
However, Mercedes has since stated that they are currently engaging in active legal discussions with the FIA regarding this matter. However, at the prize-giving event on Friday, the seven-time world champion driving for Mercedes openly criticized the sport’s governing body during a press conference.
Lewis Hamilton has backed Susie Wolff after the FIA ended its compliance investigation into her and her husband, Toto Wolff.
— Autosport (@autosport) December 8, 2023
The Mercedes driver called events "unacceptable" and "disappointing" while speaking at the 2023 #FIA prize-giving gala in Baku.#F1 pic.twitter.com/1ulkhWq3xW
His remarks delivered at the end of the Gala ceremony reflected his discontent with the FIA’s decision to drop the investigation. The Mercedes driver, known for his outspoken views, took the opportunity to express his criticism of the FIA, bringing attention to perceived shortcomings in their handling of the matter. He said, “It’s really disappointing to see that the governing body of our sport has sought to question the integrity of one of the most incredible female leaders we’ve ever had in our sport, with Susie Wolff, without questioning, without any evidence.”
Further adding, “And then just say sorry at the end, and that’s just unacceptable.”
Lewis Hamilton reflects on F1 season
In the course of the 2023 season, Lewis Hamilton has disclosed that he has been struggling with a constant period of self-doubt. The Mercedes driver has found himself in the position of observing Max Verstappen effortlessly securing the third title, while he has been winless the entire year. Hamilton concluded the season with a ninth-place finish in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a race that also contributed to Mercedes finishing three points ahead of Ferrari in the standings. He told BBC Sport that “Ultimately, when you have difficult seasons like this, there are always going to be moments when you’re like, ‘Is it me, or is it the car? Do you still have it? Has it gone?”
📰: Lewis Hamilton reflects on his frustrations at the beginning of the 2023 F1 season when he felt his input was ignored by Mercedes, particularly regarding the unique ‘zero-pod’ approach. Despite the team’s initial struggles and Hamilton’s open frustration, he expresses faith… pic.twitter.com/PUFfJbzrCd
— F1 Naija (@f1_naija) December 8, 2023
“I’m only human. If anyone in the world tells you they don’t have those things, they’re in denial. We’re all human beings.”
Despite finishing third in the standings, Hamilton candidly admitted to having moments of uncertainty about his own performances throughout the campaign. The challenges faced during the season made him work harder and reflect on his performances after every Grand Prix.
Do you think that Red Bull’s dominance will end in 2024? Let us know in the comment section below
