Wolff highlights ‘concerning’ FIA departures and need for stability

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has highlighted how “concerning” it is to see key figures leave Formula 1’s governing body the FIA.

Prior to the new year, FIA Sporting Director Steve Nielsen left his post along with Single-Seater Technical Director Tim Goss. FIA head of the Women in Motorsport Commission, Deborah Mayer, also left her role.

Wolff believes it is a “big blow” to see Nielsen leave his post when speaking to The Daily Telegraph about the departures.

“It’s concerning to see so many good people leaving,” said Wolff. “Losing Steve Nielsen is a big blow. I couldn’t think of a more knowledgeable and fair sporting director.

“As a leader, it’s about the culture and environment you create for people to thrive. When people as competent as these leave an organisation there is a vacuum. That’s clear. And you’ve got to ask yourself why is it suddenly that so many people have decided to call it a day?”

Wolff: The FIA needs stability

Wolff believes the FIA must seek out stability at the top to set the “tone” for everyone else involved in F1.

He added: “What [the FIA] needs is stability. The FIA is one of three key stakeholders of the sport [along with FOM and the teams]. And as the leadership of these organisations, we need to set the tone for everybody else.

“We need not only to say that we’re acting transparently, and ethically, but actually to live to that standard every single day.”

It comes after an alleged conflict of interest between Toto and Susie Wolff, which was subsequently shut down following a brief investigation by the governing body.

Wolff hit out at the investigation, saying it “caused great damage” to his family’s reputation.