Guenther Steiner: Lando Norris Should Thank Me for Singapore Podium

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has humorously claimed that Lando Norris owes him thanks for his podium finish at the Singapore Grand Prix, suggesting a stricter interpretation of rules under a different race director would have forced a front wing change for Norris.

Why it matters:

• Steiner's comments highlight the inconsistent application of Formula 1's black and orange flag rule, which mandates pit stops for car damage. Such inconsistencies can significantly impact race outcomes and fuel debate among teams and fans.
• The debate over front wing damage is particularly relevant as minor aerodynamic deficiencies can have a major impact on performance, especially in close-fought races.

The Details:

• Lando Norris finished third in Singapore despite making contact with Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri on the opening lap, which damaged his front wing.
• Unlike Kevin Magnussen, who received a black and orange flag for similar damage under race director Eduardo Freitas in 2022, Norris was not ordered to pit for repairs.
• Steiner's Argument: Speaking on the Red Flags podcast, Steiner stated that Freitas, known for his unyielding stance, "didn’t care. ‘I’m the race director, I do what I find is right.’"
• He believes that if Freitas had been the race director in Singapore, Norris would have been forced to change his front wing, potentially costing him the podium.
• Past Incidents: Steiner recalled his frustration when Haas drivers were often penalized for minor damage, while other drivers, like Fernando Alonso losing a rear-view mirror (which Steiner deemed more dangerous), were not.

Between the lines:

• Steiner's remarks, while lighthearted, underscore a long-standing tension in F1 regarding the subjective nature of stewarding decisions and the impact on race strategy.
• The black and orange flag rule aims to ensure safety by preventing cars with dangerous damage from continuing. However, defining what constitutes 'dangerous' can be contentious.
• The contrast between Norris's situation and Magnussen's 2022 incident reveals how different race directors or periods can influence the interpretation and enforcement of regulations.

What's next:

• While Johnny Herbert defended Norris's actions in Singapore, the broader discussion about consistent officiating in F1 remains pertinent.
• The FIA continues to refine its rules and their application, but achieving absolute consistency in real-time race scenarios is an ongoing challenge. This will likely remain a hot topic in future seasons as teams push the limits of car design and on-track aggression.
• Teams will undoubtedly continue to monitor and question stewarding decisions that they perceive as inconsistent or unfair, especially concerning critical components like front wings.