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. The organization will elect a new leader in December. The current president, the controversial Mohammed Ben Sulayem, intends to run for re-election. Several Formula 1 figures were hoping that Wolff would apply, but reportedly, the Scot has no interest.
During the test days in Bahrain, rumors circulated that Susie Wolff would run for the FIA presidency – a development welcomed by many within Formula 1. Since his appointment in 2021, Ben Sulayem has not exactly endeared himself. His approach within Formula 1 – from changes in the statutes that reduce accountability to the dismissal of FIA figures and the introduction of new rules of conduct for drivers – has significantly damaged his image.
Meanwhile, several individuals within Formula 1 have responded positively to the rumors about Susie Wolff. “She has a wealth of experience as a driver in various forms of motorsport,” stated former FIA steward Johnny Herbert. “From her time at Williams to the DTM, she has a lot of good experience. In addition, she is of course married to Toto (Wolff, Mercedes team boss) and leads the F1 Academy. She is a smart woman who can contribute a lot to the future of Formula 1.” Former world champion Damon Hill also responded enthusiastically. “She would be perfect,” he recently wrote on Instagram.
Ben Sulayem’s Warning Shot
However, she seems to have no interest in the presidency for the time being. Sources close to the Wolff family have reportedly confirmed that she does not want to run for candidacy. This may be related to an FIA investigation in 2023. Susie Wolff and her husband Toto were suspected of conflict of interest at the time. Some teams suggested that Susie was sharing confidential information with her husband, the team boss of Mercedes. The investigation was closed after a few days.
According to Autosprint, the investigation was a warning shot from Ben Sulayem. “It was a way to let people know that he (Sulayem) was aware of a possible election race against Mrs. Wolff,” wrote the Italian medium. According to the current FIA regulations, the Emirati can stand for re-election in December for another two terms of four years.
