Susie Wolff, a respected figure in the motorsport world and the spouse of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, is rumoured to be positioning herself for a bid to become the next president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
The speculation follows a tumultuous series of events involving the current FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and a controversial inquiry into a potential conflict of interest involving the Wolffs.
Late in 2023, Ben Sulayem launched an investigation into a possible conflict of interest between Susie Wolff, who leads the all-female F1 Academy, and her husband Toto, who heads the Mercedes Formula 1 team. The inquiry was met with fierce resistance from the Formula 1 community and was quickly dropped. Susie Wolff did not hold back in her response, branding the investigation as “misogynistic” and pursuing a criminal complaint over the allegations.
The swift end to the inquiry did little to quell the controversy. Instead, it has fuelled speculation about a deeper political motive behind Ben Sulayem’s actions. According to Italy’s Autosprint magazine, the probe was more than just a poorly calculated move; it was a strategic warning shot aimed at Susie Wolff, potentially signaling awareness of her rumoured ambitions to challenge Ben Sulayem for the FIA presidency.
A Calculated Political Move?
Autosprint correspondent Stefano Tamburini suggested that the investigation was not as irrational as it initially appeared.
He explained, “Even ones that seemed completely illogical, such as the opening and rapid closure of an investigation for conflict of interest against Susie Stoddart, head of the Formula One Group’s all-female F1 Academy, and her husband Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal. In reality, it was a way of letting people know that he was aware of the possible launch of Mrs. Wolff in a presidential election race.”
This interpretation paints the controversy as a calculated political maneuver by Ben Sulayem to assert his awareness of potential challengers. If accurate, this would signify a high-stakes political battle brewing within the FIA’s leadership corridors.
Susie Wolff: A Credible Contender
Susie Wolff is no stranger to breaking barriers in motorsport. As a former racing driver and the current head of the F1 Academy, she has earned respect for her leadership and advocacy for gender diversity in the sport. Her potential candidacy would not only be historic—making her the first female FIA president—but also bring a fresh perspective to the organization.
Her experience in both the competitive and managerial aspects of motorsport positions her as a credible and capable contender. With her proven leadership and strategic acumen, Wolff could challenge the status quo and offer a new vision for the FIA.
A Democratic Race Awaits
The FIA presidential elections are scheduled for December 2025, and under current regulations, Ben Sulayem is eligible to run for two more four-year terms. In a statement several months ago, he welcomed the possibility of challengers, saying, “Honestly, 100 percent. I would be more than happy. It’s democracy all of the time, not some of the time.”
Whether or not Susie Wolff officially throws her hat in the ring remains to be seen. However, the mere possibility of her candidacy is already shaking up the political landscape of motorsport governance.
The outcome of this potential battle could significantly influence the future direction of the FIA, particularly regarding its stance on gender diversity and inclusion within motorsport. Wolff’s leadership of the F1 Academy demonstrates her commitment to expanding opportunities for women in the sport, and her presidency could amplify these efforts on a global scale.
On the other hand, Ben Sulayem has been a polarizing figure during his tenure, often stirring controversy but also driving changes aimed at modernizing the organisation. A challenge from Wolff would not only test his political acumen but also provide FIA member clubs with a distinct choice between continuity and change.
The potential for Susie Wolff to make history looms large. If she decides to run, her candidacy could redefine leadership within the FIA and inspire a new generation of women in motorsport.
With the election still months away, the political dynamics are sure to evolve. One thing is certain: the race for the FIA presidency is heating up, and Susie Wolff could be the game-changer no one saw coming.
Main Image: – Own work via Wikipedia
