Last Updated on November 23 2023, 4:11 pm

The fallout from the controversial press conference at the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend continues to reverberate through the Formula One community, with Mercedes Motorsport boss Toto Wolff and Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur facing scrutiny from the FIA.

The governing body has summoned both Wolff and Vasseur to appear before the stewards at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as their comments during the Las Vegas event are reviewed for possible breaches of the FIA’s International Sporting Code.

 

“Bringing the FIA into disrepute”

Specifically, Article 12.2.1.f of the Code, which outlines offences likely to bring the FIA or motorsport into disrepute, is the focus of the investigation. The article prohibits any action, word or writing that may cause moral damage to the FIA, its officials or the interests of the sport.

The controversy stems from the heated press conference that followed a disrupted practice session in Las Vegas, where a dislodged manhole cover caused extensive damage to Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari. The incident caused the session to be abandoned and during the subsequent press conference both Wolff and Vasseur used profanity to express their frustration.

“This will cost us a fortune. We F%£ked-up the session for Carlos.” exclaimed Vasseur. 

 

Rosberg takes a swipe at Hamilton

 

 

Ferrari’s frustration, Wolff downplays issues

Vasseur commented on the cost implications of the incident and its impact on Sainz’s session, while Wolff was caught in a heated exchange with a journalist, defending the Las Vegas organisers from criticism and downplaying the manhole cover issue.

“You’re talking about a F%£king drain cover that’s been undone, that has happened before – that’s nothing!” shouted Wolff.

 

Vegas pitch to be the final event of the year

 

FIA demands answers

Now, a week later, the FIA has asked Wolff and Vasseur to explain their behaviour, which could be construed as contrary to the values upheld by the organisation.

In an official statement, the FIA said that the stewards at the Las Vegas Grand Prix had referred the matter to their counterparts at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix because they were unable to convene a hearing on Sunday morning. The referral was prompted by a report from the FIA Media Officer detailing the use of inappropriate language.

 

Ferrari take action over Vegas injustice

 

“The Commissioners of the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, having received a report from the FIA ​​Media Officer regarding the use of certain expressions at the FIA ​​press conference in Las Vegas on November 16th, have referred their authority to the Commissioners of the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a hearing on Sunday morning was not possible.”

 

Wolff and Vasseur’s forthcoming meeting with the Commissioners has given the FIA an excuse to cite that they have a commitment to upholding the decorum and integrity of the sport and ensuring that all representatives, regardless of their stature, are held accountable for their public conduct.

It’ll interesting to see how they make examples out of the pair, if they can at all.

READ MORE: Why London is not fit for an F1 Grand Prix

 

 

 

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