Mercedes Drivers Call for Greater Transparency and Accountability in Formula 1 Amid FIA Controversy

Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell criticized the lack of transparency and accountability in Formula 1 following Susie Wolff’s criminal complaint against the FIA. Last year, Wolff and her husband Toto, the head of the Mercedes F1 team, were investigated by the FIA for allegedly receiving confidential information from a Formula One Management member. Although not explicitly mentioned by the FIA, media reports linked them to the investigation. After the FIA backed down on its investigation, Wolff expressed dissatisfaction with the regulator’s response. She filed a criminal complaint on March 4, citing the lack of transparency and accountability in the FIA’s conduct. On the same day, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem was cleared of charges of interference in two events last season. Mercedes drivers Hamilton and Russell voiced their concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the sport. Hamilton praised Wolff for taking a stand and highlighted the need for change and accountability within Formula 1. He emphasized the importance of transparency, especially in a male-dominated sport, and the need to uphold core values and promote inclusion. Hamilton’s criticism extended beyond the FIA to broader behavior within Formula 1, referring to the ongoing controversy involving Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Russell echoed Hamilton’s sentiments, stressing the importance of transparency and the need for all facts and figures to be made available to the public. He expressed concerns about hidden agendas and emphasized the need for Formula 1 to send the right message to its supporters.