Horner Faces Backlash Over FIA Conflict Probe Stance

Wolff criticizes Horner for resisting FIA probe opposition, highlighting reluctance to sign a joint statement supported by all other teams.

Toto Wolff identified Christian Horner as the only Formula 1 team principal reluctant to fully support him and Susie Wolff during an FIA investigation launched in December 2023.

Last December, the FIA compliance department announced it was investigating a potential conflict of interest involving the Mercedes team principal and his wife, Susie, who serves as CEO of the F1 Academy.

It was alleged that an anonymous team principal had filed a complaint, triggering the investigation, which prompted an immediate response not only from the Wolffs but also from the other nine teams on the F1 grid.

The investigation was closed within days after Mercedes’ rivals each issued a statement opposing it, but Wolff revealed that Red Bull team principal Horner was difficult to convince.

Wolff told The Guardian there had been an “excellent” response from most teams, led by his friend and Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur.

“I can tolerate a lot. I’m used to it. But when your wife is dragged into a conflict she has nothing to do with, and her reputation is impeccable, that’s where the fun stops. But the response was fantastic.”

“I made no phone calls to any team. Fred took charge of the situation and said, ‘This is so unfair.’ From Gunther Steiner to James Vowles, everyone jumped on the matter. They were all ready, except Christian, to sign a document in our favor.”

Horner’s reaction prompted Wolff to remark, “I don’t think you can rely on what he says.”

Explaining how the situation unfolded, Wolff added, “From what I understand, he said, ‘I’ll have my own interview on Sky, and I’ll say I’m not part of this. I won’t sign the document.'”

“The other nine teams said, ‘Fine.’ But obviously, he was told it wouldn’t look good, and that he needed to be part of the statement.”

“In the second iteration, he tried to insert the word ‘official’ into the statement. He wanted a note to clarify that none of the team principals had officially complained to the FIA.”

“The other teams said, ‘Fine. We’ll make our statement, and you can make yours.’ Eventually, he signed it.”

Susie Wolff filed a criminal complaint against the governing body in March following the FIA’s brief investigation.