Guenther Steiner Criticizes FIA's Handling of Mexico GP VSC and Penalties

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has sharply criticized the FIA's race management during the Mexico Grand Prix, specifically calling out the lack of consistent penalties for track limit violations at the start and the questionable deployment of the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) in the closing laps. Steiner's comments, made on The Red Flags Podcast, highlight ongoing frustrations within the F1 community regarding officiating standards.

Why it matters:

Inconsistent application of rules and perceived overreactions from race control can undermine the integrity and excitement of Formula 1 racing. Steiner's high-profile critique echoes a sentiment shared by many drivers and fans, calling into question the FIA's ability to provide clear, consistent, and fair officiating, which is crucial for maintaining competitive balance and driver confidence.

The Details:

• Controversial Race Start: Multiple drivers reportedly gained advantages by leaving the track at the chaotic start of the race. Steiner noted that some drivers were penalized, while others were not, leading to accusations of inconsistent enforcement.
• Questionable VSC Deployment: A VSC was deployed late in the race after Carlos Sainz parked his Ferrari near an escape road, seemingly out of harm's way. This decision paused an intense battle between Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc for second place.
  • FIA's Justification: The FIA later stated that Sainz's car began smoking, and notifications of fire prompted the need for marshal intervention, requiring the VSC.
• Marshal Incident: Onboard footage revealed marshals running across the live track in front of Liam Lawson's car. An investigation into this serious safety breach is ongoing.
• Steiner's Reaction: Steiner suggested the VSC for Sainz's car was an 'overreaction,' possibly influenced by the earlier marshal incident. He believed double-waved yellow flags would have been sufficient, praising Sainz for parking his car responsibly.
• Structural Criticism: Steiner emphasized that his criticism is not directed at individuals but at the FIA's organizational setup, suggesting that current personnel aren't given the best chance to perform effectively.

What's next:

Steiner advocates for the implementation of permanent stewards to ensure more consistent decision-making, particularly concerning recurring issues like track limits. He believes permanent stewards would be better equipped to address persistent problems at specific tracks by engaging directly with circuit personnel to implement preventative measures. The ongoing investigation into the marshal incident will also be key, potentially leading to new safety protocols to prevent future occurrences and rebuild confidence in race safety and management.