In a fierce and unyielding stance, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has unleashed a blistering critique of the FIA’s handling of penalties in Formula 1. As the dust settles on the tumultuous 2025 season, Steiner has made it abundantly clear that he will not rest until significant changes are made to the governing body’s inconsistent penalty system.
During a candid discussion on the Red Flags podcast, Steiner pulled no punches as he highlighted the mounting frustrations within the paddock regarding the FIA’s decision-making process. He expressed his discontent with the erratic nature of penalties throughout the championship, pointing to a glaring lack of uniformity that has left teams and drivers bewildered. “They need to be consistent and I will not stop until either I die or they change it,” he declared, underscoring the urgency of his mission.
While acknowledging the FIA’s commendable efforts to prioritize safety, Steiner did not shy away from emphasizing the pressing need for reform in their penalty protocol. The 2025 season saw an outcry from fans and competitors alike, pushing the FIA to reevaluate its approach. Steiner’s message is clear: the time for change is now, especially with new regulations on the horizon.
“The FIA has got the opportunity to get it right to be the rockstars next year because they got a lot of money in the new Concorde agreement to fix it,” he asserted, urging the governing body to seize this critical moment to restore their credibility. This is not just about penalties; it’s about the integrity of the sport and the trust of its participants.
Steiner went on to dissect the controversial decisions made during the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he felt the stewards’ actions seemed more about saving face than ensuring fair competition. He criticized the selective nature of the penalties that were handed out, particularly in the case of Yuki Tsunoda and Lando Norris, which he deemed emblematic of a flawed system. “What we saw on the last race when, ‘oh we need to give a penalty to Yuki towards Lando, not giving one to Lando, and then everybody who was swerving once got a penalty so we are all doing it consistently. It is like, ‘too little too late guys… There’s a bigger picture there,” he explained, painting a picture of a system in dire need of overhaul.
As the world of Formula 1 watches and waits, Steiner’s relentless pursuit for consistency and fairness within the FIA’s framework raises crucial questions about the future of the sport. Will the governing body take heed of these stark warnings, or will the cycle of inconsistency continue? The stakes have never been higher, and Steiner’s commitment to this cause is a testament to his passion for the sport he loves. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting for the FIA to rise to the occasion.
