Red Bull firmly opposes Susie Wolff’s potential FIA presidency, citing conflicts of interest due to her marriage to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
The idea of Susie Wolff taking over the FIA presidency has sparked debate, but for Red Bull, the answer is clear: absolutely not.
Dr Helmut Marko, the team’s advisor, responded firmly to rumors suggesting that Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the current FIA president, could face a challenge from Wolff in the upcoming elections.
“Impossible!” he declared. “If that were to happen, we would oppose it.”
A Divisive Candidacy
The discussion was reignited by Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, who sees Susie Wolff as the perfect candidate to replace Ben Sulayem. Currently leading the F1 Academy, a program dedicated to promoting women in motorsport, Susie has gained credibility in the paddock.
Her husband, Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, remains skeptical. “Not to my knowledge,” he said in Bahrain when asked if she was considering running. However, since Melbourne, his tone has shifted:
“Maybe later, when she has achieved everything she wants.”
Toto emphasizes that Susie is a passionate entrepreneur, who has quickly grown the F1 Academy and has no plans to join the FIA at this stage.
Red Bull Sets Its Conditions
For Marko, the situation presents a clear conflict: a FIA president married to a direct competitor? Unthinkable.
“Toto would have to sever all ties with Mercedes and sell all his shares,” he stated. “And I don’t see that happening anytime soon.”
The question remains: Does Susie Wolff actually intend to run for the position? Or is this just another rumor stirring up the F1 world? To be continued…
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Red Bull Blocks Susie Wolff’s FIA Presidency Bid Red Bull Blocks Susie Wolff’s FIA Presidency Bid