The pile-on continues as Lewis Hamilton, without naming names, hits out at the FIA leadership over its treatment of Susie Wolff this week and in particular the damage done in terms of diversity and inclusion.

With teammate George Russell sure to have something to say on the matter in due course, seven-time world champion Hamilton, who is attending the FIA's prize-giving gala for the first time since boycotting the 2021 event in the wake of the Abu Dhabi controversy, hit out at the FIA over this week's shambolic saga involving his team boss, Toto Wolff, his wife Susie and F1, whereby a magazine article claimed there was a conflict of interest, an unfounded claim that the FIA unwisely acted upon.

Susie Wolff has taken it particularly badly, claiming that the investigation - which was subsequently dropped - was "rooted in intimidatory and misogynistic behaviour".

It is with this aspect of the saga in mind that Hamilton spoke out in Baku today.

"It's been a challenging week," said the Briton. "I think a disappointing week really to see that the governing body of our sport has sought to question the integrity of one of the most incredible female leaders we've ever had in our sport, with Susie Wolff, without questioning, without any evidence, and then just saying 'sorry' at the end.

"That's just unacceptable," he added. "We've got a lot of great people within the sport that are doing amazing work. There is a constant fight to really improve diversity and inclusion within the industry.

"But it seems that there are certain individuals in the leadership within the FIA that every time we try and make a step forward, they're trying to pull us back. And that has to change."

"This is a global sport," he continued. "And we have such an incredible opportunity and a natural responsibility to be leaders of change. And as we're travelling to all those countries around the world, we have a responsibility to make sure that we're pushing in the right direction.

"So I want to acknowledge that there are a lot of people that are doing great work. But we need to make some changes to make sure that we're all pushing in the right direction."

The Briton also took the opportunity to heap praise upon his boss.

"Toto is an amazing leader," he said. "I've known him for a long time. We joined the team at the same time. It's been an interesting journey for both of us to both grow with the team, to see his vision grow and progress within the structure of the team. He hasn't lost an ounce of his competitiveness he's massively competitive.

"You see it on TV even when he's sitting at his little desk in the garage. Trying to find a balance in life of work life and family life I think he's done a really great job there.

"But I think just continuing to push everyone - yesterday again we were talking to the team together. He's a very, very approachable leader, and I think people can relate to him, to his emotions and just to his compassion, or his drive.

"He's very understanding. I think it's definitely not been easy for anybody in the team when you're working towards something, but it's not quite going the way you want it.

"I think there's been many lessons, and I've been really proud to see the progress that he's made just as an individual and as a human being as well."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Stitch431, 15/12/2023 9:55

"HIS MASTER'S VOICE comes to mind ..."

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2. Posted by kenji, 11/12/2023 1:11

"@ Spindoctor...unlike you I am not fully aware of all the fine details surrounding the entire episode to date. I would suggest that you re read my post. I stand by those comments. If there is any doubt about the possibility of inappropriate activities within your organisation you immediately undertake an inquiry. That is what good governance calls for. Do you alert the possible guilty party's of what you're doing? Hardly. Get the facts first then seek a solution. AFAIK that's what the FIA did. They shut any further investigation down, I presume, because there was no substance to it...or else they chose not to proceed for political reasons. Who knows? The ball is in Wolff's court. They can proceed to take whatever path they choose legally as is their right. They should, IMO, seek out the inititial source and then take action if necessary. I very much doubt that MBS is that entity."

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3. Posted by Spindoctor, 10/12/2023 12:18

"@kenji
You've missed the point. The problem is that the whole sorry business was "leaked" based on information from an unknown source before the alleged miscreants were even aware they were being investigated. Maybe you'd be unflustered by anonymous accusations of this type against your integrity, but for both the Wolffs this kind of thing is potentially very damaging. Even after FIA closing the "investigation" many will be muttering about "no smoke without a fire."...."

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4. Posted by Italian Job, 09/12/2023 21:24

"@Superbird: If that does happen, maybe our esteemed Editor would in future call George "Nipper"?"

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5. Posted by kenji, 09/12/2023 13:48

"@Elsiebc. Not only is it misogynistic it is also highly discriminatory. Can you possibly imagine the outcry if the biological nominations were to be reversed? IMO the FIA have done nothing wrong. They were alerted to a possible problem and initiated an investigation to either confirm or deny. Nothing found so inquiry terminated. With the global war on 'good governance' they did what was necessary. The confected outrage being promoted is what one would expect given the personalities involved. Just when we thought that Hamilton's woke agenda had been been parked in the basement garage someone goes and gives him a mic. and a platform to spruik from. Bad mistake that....."

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6. Posted by Spindoctor, 09/12/2023 8:39

"Naturally Lewis will sound-off about his pet concerns & this piece of corporate ineptitude by FIA has provided both the soapbox & megaphone top facilitate him.

It seems odd that in a sport where there are gazillions of opportunities to find dodgy doings, FIA chose to single-out Susie Wolff (& Toto). Strange too that nobody seems to have initiated the "probe".

If it's not a misogynistic attack on Susie Wolff, with a bonus pop at Toto, please explain what is going on.
Mr Editor Balfe has made some interesting observations in another thread....."

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7. Posted by Superbird70, 09/12/2023 2:49

"If Russell does comment @Ed should use the little RCA dog picture. 'His master's voice'."

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8. Posted by elsiebc, 09/12/2023 1:16

"Is there anything more misogynistic than a making separate series just for women?"

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9. Posted by Defiant, 08/12/2023 22:33

"Oh surprise surprise. Lewis uses absolutely ANYTHING to steer the conversation to D&I. As Superbird70 previously stated, it had nothing to do with that. I'm just rolling my eyes again.

Don't get me wrong, I'm pleased that Suzie appears not to have broken any confidence and I'm not surprised that the Wolf's would be urinated off or that Lewis (and as the Ed suggests, no doubt a George comment is in the works) felt the need to show displeasure but stop trying to conflate complete separate issues. "

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10. Posted by Superbird70, 08/12/2023 19:11

"When did this become about D&I,and work life balance? I thought the issue ,as brief as it was, was about confidentiality, conflict of interest, and I guess ethics."

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11. Posted by Burton, 08/12/2023 18:59

"All these D&I criticisms can as easily be levelled at FOM, so this is quite disappointing from Lewis...being as much of a teacher's pet as Russell."

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Hamilton hits out at FIA

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