On Tuesday evening, the governing body announced that its Compliance Department was looking into an allegation of confidential information passed between an F1 team principal and a member of Formula One Management.
This was in relation to a dubious media report that in a meeting between team principals, Toto Wolff made a comment based on material information that was only available to FOM personnel, to which his spouse Susie Wolff could theoretically have greater access.
The allegation was denounced by Mercedes, Susie Wolff - who suggested alternative motives were at play, saying the matter was rooted "in intimidatory and misogynistic behaviour" - and F1, whose relationship with the FIA, particularly under the current administration, is strained.
Then, in a coordinated and almost unprecedented display of paddock unity, particularly around Susie Wolff, the other nine teams released near-identical statements that read: "We can confirm that we have not made any complaint to the FIA regarding the allegation of information of a confidential nature being passed between an F1 team principal and a member of FOM staff.
"We are pleased and proud to support F1 Academy and its managing director through our commitment to sponsor an entrant in our liveries from next season."
Source: Autosport