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The biggest star on the Formula 1 grid laid into the sport’s governing body on Friday.
Lewis Hamilton called the FIA‘s probe into F1 Academy head Susie Wolff “unacceptable” after the investigation closed without revealing any wrongdoing.
“Disappointing to see the governing body questioning the integrity of one of the most incredible female leaders we’ve had in our sport, without questioning, without any evidence, then just saying sorry at the end, that’s just unacceptable,” Hamilton said of the incident.”
He also stated that the investigation could harm the sport going forward.
“There is a constant fight to really improve diversity and inclusion within the industry, but it seems there are certain individuals within the leadership of the FIA that every time we make a step forward they’re trying to pull us back and that has to change,” Hamilton said.
The investigation stemmed from allegations that Wolff had shared inside information from the FIA with her husband, Toto, who is the Team Principal and part owner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team.
The FIA claimed that the investigation came at the urging of one or more opposing teams. But each of the other nine teams on the Formula 1 grid issued statements backing Wolff and claiming that they’d not spoken with the FIA regarding the matter.
Hours later, the FIA issued a statement of its own claiming that the investigation had revealed no wrongdoing.
“My first reaction was: ‘Is that it,'” Wolff said of her response to the findings.
“For two days, insinuations have been made about my integrity in public and through background briefings, but nobody from the FIA has spoken to me directly,” she continued. “I might have been collateral damage in an unsuccessful attack on somebody else, or the target of a failed attempt to discredit me personally, but I have worked too hard to have my reputation called into question by an unfounded press release.
“We have come a long way as a sport. I was extremely thankful for the unified support of the Formula 1 teams. I have worked with so many passionate women and men at F1 and the FIA, who have the very best interests of our sport at heart.
“However, this episode has so far taken place without transparency or accountability. I have received online abuse about my work and my family. I will not allow myself to be intimated and intend to follow up until I have found out who has instigated this campaign and misled the media.
“What happened this week is simply not good enough. As a sport, we must demand, and we deserve, better.”
Formula 1 teams had reportedly considered a split from the FIA prior to the investigation. And it’s hard to imagine this saga will help to repair that relationship.