Susie Wolff has brought a lawsuit in French courts against the FIA.

While firmly supporting Susie Wolff in her legal battle with motorsport’s regulatory body, Lewis Hamilton delivered a biting attack on Red Bull, Christian Horner, and the FIA. Hamilton expects that this will indicate increased transparency in Formula 1.

The FIA opened an inquiry into Wolff and her husband, Mercedes F1 team principal and CEO Toto, in 2023 on claims that Sue, the leader of the F1 Academy series for F1 Management (FOM), had disclosed sensitive information.

Less than 48 hours later, the FIA was humiliated amid an immediate and intense backlash that saw every F1 team coordinate a show of solidarity for Susie, who called the case “based in intimidatory and misogynistic behaviour.”

Wolff launched a criminal lawsuit against the FIA in France, claiming reputational harm, ahead of the 2024 Australian Grand Prix.

Hamilton told the media, “I think Susie is really gutsy. I’m incredibly proud of her.” “And she is such a leader, and she represents such high ideals. Furthermore, it sends a powerful message for her to be speaking up in a world when silence is common.

I appreciate that she’s battling it outside of this environment because, in this sport and the FIA, there is a severe lack of accountability for things that go on behind closed doors. There is also a lack of transparency.

And I believe the fans need that as much as we do. Without that, how can you have faith in the sport and this situation? Thus, perhaps this action that she has performed will lead to change and benefit things.

Hamilton: Red Bull has created a disastrous example.

Hamilton first made a veiled reference to the Horner controversy, but he later clarified his point by drawing attention to the distinction between Wolff’s FIA advocacy and Red Bull’s handling of their investigation into “inappropriate and controlling behavior” against a female employee.

Horner is still in his position despite a damaging series of leaks that purport to show texts and photos that the team principal sent, even though the team has denied any wrongdoing and has refused to release any information about their inquiry, including the particular accusations filed. The complainant, a woman, lost her position with the team, though.

Hamilton continued, “The message of the times is that you will lose your job if you submit a complaint. And to be projecting that story to the world is a bad thing.

“Therefore, we must ensure that we are adhering to the fundamental principles here, particularly when we discuss diversity in the sport. It’s still a male-dominated sport, particularly for women.