Susie Wolff, spouse of Toto Wolff, might be positioning herself to take on the role of FIA president.
Late in 2023, the current FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, stirred his customary controversy by initiating an inquiry into a possible conflict of interest between Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Susie, who oversees the Formula 1-linked, all-female F1 Academy.
The probe faced fierce opposition within the F1 community and was swiftly abandoned, prompting Susie to label it "misogynistic" and pursue a criminal complaint over the allegations.
Italy's Autosprint magazine now posits that this clash between Ben Sulayem and the Wolffs may tie into speculation that Susie is contemplating a challenge against the incumbent president in the upcoming elections set for late 2025.
The publication suggests the investigation served as a veiled signal.
"As questionable as Ben Sulayem's actions are, every move he has made up to now has made sense," correspondent Stefano Tamburini said.
"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," he explained in the latest edition of Autosprint.
The FIA presidential elections are slated for December, and under current regulations, Ben Sulayem can seek re-election for up to two more four-year terms.
Several months back, Ben Sulayem maintained he welcomes potential challengers.
"Honestly, 100 percent," he said. "I would be more than happy. It's democracy all of the time, not some of the time."
