“Thanks for Adding More Fuel to the Fire”: Fans Called Out F1 Journalist’s Unnecessary Conspiracy Theories Over Toto Wolff’s Trusted Confidante Leaving FIA
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“Thanks for Adding More Fuel to the Fire”: Fans Called Out F1 Journalist’s Unnecessary Conspiracy Theories Over Toto Wolff’s Trusted Confidante Leaving FIA
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The whole Red Bull cost-cap fiasco seems like it was just yesterday. That being said, it has been settled with the Austrian team getting a $7m fine and a 10% reduction in their wind tunnel time. But as it is in F1, there’s always something that just stirs up the whole pot again!
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A central theme to the whole incident was the fact that Red Bull contended a leak of confidential information from within the FIA. It was strongly argued that the person involved was an ex-Mercedes employee who was then working for FIA, the governing body of the sport.
The employee in question was Shaila-Ann Rao. And she’s back in the news again. According to F1 journalist Ben Hunt, the ex-Mercedes employee has now, in the aftermath of the whole incident, ‘left’ the FIA. This has got a few eyebrows raised.
F1 Fans react as prime accused in Red Bull cost-cap information leak leaves the FIA
Fans have been divided on the whole issue ever since it came to light. But now, as the news emerges that the one person who was being held accountable by Red Bull for the information leak has left the FIA, the fans have come out in spades to share their reactions.
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Let’s take a look at a few fan reactions to Ben Hunt’s breaking revelation.
Wow, Shaila-Ann Rao – who was at the centre of Red Bull's argument regarding the cost-cap row – has left the FIA. She was a former Mercedes employee before joining the FIA.
— Ben Hunt (@benjhunt) November 23, 2022
She was part of the Cost Cap Administration, actually going through the Accounts, she was the person who called to inform Red Bull that they were in breach officially, 90 Minutes After Max Won the Championship in Japan…but yeah, everything was above board at the FIA apparently…
— Amanda (@Amanda_kisses) November 23, 2022
I dunno, but somehow this stinks… #F1 #FIA https://t.co/SGyZXvfhCx
— Marco Maas 🐱👤 (@MoaskeFoto) November 23, 2022
It’s no secret that the whole cost-cap fiasco is embroiled in secrecy and hidden facts. But as it turns out, this news isn’t exactly 100% accurate either. As soon as Hunt posted this to his Twitter account, fans quickly pointed out an inconsistency.
yess inciting abuse against a woman without knowing what the word interim means, warra journalist!!🔥 thanks for adding more fuel to the fire, as if this woman didn’t get enough hate already. this coming from real F1 pundits is so disappointing.
— leo🐋 (@albonscar) November 23, 2022
Ben look up the definition of the word interim please
— Stefanie (@fastpitstop) November 23, 2022
She was employed as interim though, so her leaving FIA does not automatically mean she was the leak. Suspicious though, to say the least…
— Marleen (@LaLeentje) November 23, 2022
Irrespective, this piece of information has sent the whole F1 Twittersphere into raptures. There’s widespread debate as to the authenticity of the news and whether her leaving is in any way related to her alleged involvement in leaking confidential information.
Mercedes should be investigated, and the very harshest of penalties applied if proven they were liaising and obtaining confidential info. If guilty should be disqualified from next year’s championship.. https://t.co/3BjuXmoOV3
— steve (@wilspin) November 23, 2022
Wow, how did you get verified? https://t.co/7HFzX5M2zf
— mercedes.f1motorsports (@MF1motorsports) November 23, 2022
#f1xed https://t.co/fcWGuuZkKD
— locopedo (@insanefartOVER) November 23, 2022
This is the exact problem with social media. Constantly trying to perpetuate things that aren’t there! She was an interim. Why does everybody try to stir up non existent crap and then complain that F1 is toxic? You are part of the problem, Ben. https://t.co/iET7LYAHJT
— Danke Seb 💔 (@sebsv5vettel) November 23, 2022
It is safe to say that, at least when it comes to F1 fans, this cost-cap breach debate will never rest.
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If it is to be presumed that confidential information relating to Red Bull’s financials was leaked, does that reduce the amount of incrimination on the end of Red Bull? Was the penalty doled out by the FIA fair?
Written by
Edited by
Ranvijay Singh