Wolff, a prominent figure in motorsport and the spouse of Mercedes F1 chief Toto, revealed on Wednesday that she had lodged a criminal complaint in France against the FIA for an investigation into a conflict of interest last year.
Wolff made this announcement after FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem was exonerated by its ethics committee of alleged interference in two races last year.
Ahead of the upcoming Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, Mercedes driver Hamilton expressed his immense admiration for Wolff and commended her bravery for speaking out in a world where individuals are frequently silenced.
“I also appreciate her decision to take this matter outside of the realm of this world because there is a distinct lack of accountability within this sport, the FIA, and the undisclosed actions that occur behind closed doors,” he conveyed to journalists in the paddock at Albert Park on Thursday.
“There is a complete absence of transparency and accountability. We urgently require that. I believe the fans are in need of it as well. How can we trust the sport and what goes on within it?” questioned the British driver.
Reuters reached out to the FIA for comment on Wolff’s legal action and Hamilton’s remarks, but no immediate response was received on Thursday.
In December, the FIA initiated an investigation into the Wolffs following a magazine article that alleged a team manager had obtained confidential information from an employee of the commercial rights holder.
However, the inquiry was swiftly halted after all nine other F1 teams issued statements expressing their support for Susie Wolff.
Wolff’s legal action follows internal turmoil at the Red Bull F1 team, where team principal Christian Horner was cleared of alleged misconduct after a complaint was filed by a female staff member.
According to reports in the British media, the unidentified woman was suspended after her grievance was dismissed by an independent investigation, but she is currently appealing the outcome.
The FIA has yet to confirm reports that she also lodged an official complaint with them.
Hamilton expressed his hope that Wolff’s legal action could bring about change and have a positive impact in F1, particularly for women.
“It remains a sport dominated by males, and we find ourselves in a time where the message being conveyed is: if you speak up, you will lose your job,” he added.
“And that is an appalling narrative to project to the world, especially when we are advocating for inclusivity within the sport. We must remain true to our fundamental principles,” he elucidated.
Mercedes driver George Russell echoed his teammate’s call for transparency in the decision-making process of F1 authorities.
“I believe it is incredibly crucial for the sport, as Lewis mentioned, to send the right message to all those who support Formula 1… that issues are not simply swept under the rug,” Russell remarked. (Reporting by Ian Ransom)