Wolff: Mercedes ‘in active legal exchange with FIA’

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Toto Wolff says his Mercedes F1 team is currently “in active legal exchange with the FIA” over this week’s events involving an inquiry into a possible conflict of interest involving Toto and Susie Wolff.

After last Tuesday’s news that the couple were under investigation by the FIA’s Compliance Department for a potential conflict of interest, both Toto and Susie Wolff vehemently denied the allegations.

On Thursday, in a swift about-face, the FIA declared that there was no ongoing inquiry into any individual in F1 regarding a potential conflict of interest issue.

But with their reputations and integrity tarnished by insinuations that the Wolffs may have been exchanging confidential information in their respective roles as team principal and managing director of F1 Academy, the couple is not letting the FIA off the hook.

Read also: Susie Wolff blasts FIA response – wants accountability

On Friday, Susie Wolff stated that will be seeking accountability and full transparency from the FIA following its “misleading and unfounded” communication.

Toto Wolff than followed suit, with a brief statement released on behalf of the Mercedes F1 team, in which he says that the latter is “in active legal exchange” with the FIA.

"We understand that there is significant media interest in the events of this week," Wolff's statement read.

"We are currently in active legal exchange with the FIA.

"We await full transparency about what took place and why, and have expressly reserved all legal rights.

"Therefore we ask for your understanding that we will not be commenting officially for now, but we will certainly address the matter in due course."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.