Wolff dismisses rumors regarding his bid for the FIA presidency.

      "Someone spread this rumour to stir things up."

      By GMM

      11 March 2025 - 12:52

      Toto Wolff has dismissed speculation that his wife, Susie, may run for the position of president of Formula 1’s governing body.

      There has been ongoing controversy surrounding the current FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, with Mercedes team principal and co-owner Toto Wolff as a noticeable adversary.

      In 2023, Toto and Susie Wolff, who leads the all-female F1 Academy series, had a heated confrontation with Ben Sulayem following his brief investigation into a potential conflict of interest.

      Susie described the inquiry as "intimidatory and misogynistic," while Italy’s Autosprint magazine suggested that it was a preemptive measure by Ben Sulayem, knowing about Mrs. Wolff’s presidential aspirations.

      The FIA elections are scheduled for December, and 1996 world champion Damon Hill believes Susie Wolff would be "perfect" for the role.

      However, when questioned about the veracity of the rumours, Mercedes' Wolff responded on the ORF program Sport am Sonntag this week: "Not that I know of. Susie is an entrepreneur. Someone started this rumour to create a stir."

      Toto acknowledges that he and the FIA president do not have a great relationship.

      "We have our pressure points where we disagree," the Austrian said. "On other matters, such as the swearing, we largely agree. We are a gentleman’s sport and we set an example. The children shouldn’t hear our drivers cursing constantly."

      Wolff asserts that his relationship with Lewis Hamilton remains strong, despite being taken aback by the seven-time world champion's decision to join Ferrari for 2025 early last year.

      "It’s not that bad," he remarked regarding their new rivalry. "We are very good friends. On a personal level, I wish him all the best, but on the racetrack, we want to beat him."

      Regarding the 2025 season, Wolff predicts it will be "incredibly close" among the top four teams, including Mercedes, although he recognizes a clear frontrunner.

      "The balance of power after the tests in Bahrain is that four teams are pretty much on the same level in a fast lap, perhaps with a slight advantage for (Lando) Norris," he noted.

      "In race simulations, the two McLarens are clearly in the lead, with (Max) Verstappen, us, and Ferrari trailing just behind."

      He believes George Russell is primed to compete for a world championship but is attempting to temper expectations for Hamilton’s replacement, 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli.

      "We’ve been with Andrea since he was 11," Wolff said. "He has won everything in every category since then, and we’ve also completed 11,000 kilometres with him in an old Formula 1 car.

      "Nonetheless, being thrust into the F1 circus at 18 requires caution to avoid losing your footing. That’s why we’re trying to manage expectations at the outset."