In recent weeks, it has been suggested that Susie Wolff, former driver and director of the F1 Academy, would be the ‘perfect’ candidate for the FIA presidency. However, her husband, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, denies that the Scot is interested in a new role. In December, the FIA will meet to appoint a new leader. For now, the current president, the controversial Mohammed Ben Sulayem, is the only one running for election.
During the winter tests in Bahrain, rumors circulated that Susie Wolff was interested in the position of FIA president. Partly due to the controversies surrounding Ben Sulayem, Wolff would be a suitable candidate to replace him. Former Formula 1 steward Johnny Herbert expressed his support for the Scot, and former world champion Damon Hill also called her ‘perfect’ for this role. However, a source close to the Wolff family debunked the rumors, and now Toto Wolff is also weighing in.
False Rumor
“Susie (Wolff) as president of the FIA? Not that I know of,” he told Austrian OE24. “She is an entrepreneur. Someone started this rumor to stir up controversy.” Despite the Mercedes boss having clashed with Mohammed Ben Sulayem on several occasions, he once again expressed his support for the current FIA president. “There are issues where we have a difference of opinion,” he admitted. “On other matters, such as the swearing of the drivers, we largely agree. This is a gentleman’s sport and we have a role model function,” he added. “Our young fans should not constantly hear our drivers swearing.”
Stricter Rules for Offensive Language in the Upcoming Formula 1 Season
The FIA has introduced stricter rules regarding the use of offensive language for the upcoming Formula 1 season. From now on, drivers who use offensive words during official press moments could face severe penalties. These start with hefty fines but could even escalate to points deduction in the world championship.
In response to the new FIA rules, Toto Wolff, while in Bahrain, explained that there is a significant difference between swearing during press conferences and during races. “As long as it’s not disrespectful to someone else, I would let it go in the latter case,” said the Austrian. “But that’s just my personal opinion.”
