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Steiner doesn’t understand FIA in Verstappen case: ‘What did we create?’

The FIA aimed to send a message by penalizing Max Verstappen for his use of profanity ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, but Guenther Steiner, the former team principal of Haas F1, believes that the federation’s actions have backfired. Steiner expressed concern that the penalty might actually encourage young fans to view swearing as something cool. He commented, “And there’s for sure a lot of children now who think it’s actually cool to swear.”

In his upcoming book, “Unfiltered,” set to be released on October 10, Steiner references his own catchphrase, “fok,” multiple times. This has led him to conclude that the punishment handed down to Verstappen for his outburst in Singapore is overly severe. Despite the ongoing controversy, Verstappen’s penalty remains in effect, and there appears to be a consensus among many in the motorsport community that the FIA should reconsider its stance. It is increasingly difficult to find anyone outside the FIA who believes Verstappen should be forced to serve the penalty.

As the Formula One grid prepares for a meeting in Austin on the eve of the U.S. Grand Prix, the drivers are expected to discuss this contentious issue. Steiner offered his perspective on the situation, suggesting that the FIA should consider an alternative approach. He noted, “I think it’s too late now to apologize.” He believes that a public apology at this point would only highlight the FIA’s lack of clear direction and decision-making.

Steiner went on to emphasize the need for the FIA to engage in constructive dialogue with Verstappen. He said, “I think they should sit down with him and agree on something,” acknowledging that while he respects Verstappen’s position, it’s unclear what kind of compromise might be possible. Steiner pointed out that Verstappen is not inherently stubborn; he would likely be open to reasonable discussions. While Steiner acknowledged that swearing in a press conference is generally inappropriate, he clarified that Verstappen’s comments were not aimed at an individual but rather a reflection on the car’s performance. He concluded, “Is it right? No. Is it wrong? No.”

Instead of imposing strict penalties, Steiner advocated for a more diplomatic approach. He suggested that the FIA could simply have a conversation with the drivers, urging them to maintain a respectful tone during press events, rather than resorting to penalties. He stated, “Would it not be better just to go to the drivers afterwards and say, ‘guys, tone it down a little bit, stay calm,’ instead of ‘oh, you need a penalty’?”

Steiner’s perspective raises an important question about the impact of such penalties on younger audiences. He recognized that children are exposed to these discussions and added, “Yes, children listen to it. But do you think children have never heard the word ‘f***’?” His comments suggest that while the FIA’s intentions may have been to promote decorum, the unintended consequences may actually lead to the opposite effect.

Steiner’s frustration with the situation reflects a broader sentiment within the motorsport community. The initial intention to address the issue of inappropriate language has seemingly spiraled into a more significant controversy. “What did we create? We created a worse situation than the one swearing in the press conference. Now everybody talks about it,” he lamented. Steiner believes that the increased scrutiny and dialogue surrounding the issue might ironically lead to a greater awareness of swearing among young fans, potentially making it seem more appealing.

In summary, Guenther Steiner’s comments regarding Max Verstappen’s penalty shed light on the complexities surrounding disciplinary measures in Formula One. While the FIA aimed to instill a sense of responsibility among drivers, Steiner argues that their approach may have had the opposite effect. As the upcoming meeting in Austin looms, it remains to be seen how the FIA will navigate this contentious issue and whether they will reconsider their stance on penalties related to language used by drivers. The discussion highlights the delicate balance between maintaining professionalism in motorsport and recognizing the realities of how language is perceived, particularly by younger audiences.