Lewis Hamilton expressed disapproval of the FIA while offering support to Susie Wolff for her decision to take legal action against the governing body of auto racing. Wolff, who oversees the F1 Academy and is married to Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff, initiated legal proceedings in French courts regarding statements made against her by the FIA.
The FIA had conducted an investigation in December concerning suspicions that the Wolffs shared confidential information, prompted by allegations of a conflict of interest published in BusinessF1 magazine.
However, the investigation was swiftly closed after 48 hours due to denials from the other nine teams, which were nearly identical in content. Wolff began her legal action on March 4.
Hamilton publicly supported Wolff during a media session ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, praising her courage and leadership. He highlighted the lack of accountability within the sport and the FIA, stressing the importance of Wolff’s stance, particularly in the predominantly male-dominated world of Formula 1.
Hamilton criticized the prevailing narrative that filing complaints could result in termination, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and transparency. When asked about his confidence in FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Hamilton expressed skepticism, indicating a lack of trust in his leadership.
Meanwhile, Hamilton expressed confidence in his Mercedes team’s ability to enhance the performance of his W15 car, aiming to compete for podium finishes and victories in the upcoming season. Despite not having won since the 2021 Saudi Arabian GP, Hamilton remains optimistic about his prospects at the Australian GP, an event he has won twice before.