Steiner Calls for Time Limit on Post-Race Penalties After Miami GP Delays

Guenther Steiner has slammed the Miami Grand Prix stewards for taking over two hours to deliver post-race penalties, arguing the sport needs a strict time limit for such decisions. The former Haas team principal, speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, said the current process is unacceptable and called for immediate rule changes.

Why it matters:

Delayed penalty verdicts undermine the integrity of race results and create uncertainty for teams and fans. A time limit would force stewards to act swiftly, ensuring penalties are applied before the podium celebration and that competitors know their final classification without waiting hours.

The details:

• Several incidents were investigated after the Miami GP, including Max Verstappen allegedly crossing the pit exit white line, a Verstappen–George Russell collision, and Charles Leclerc multiple infractions on the final lap.
• Verdicts started arriving two and a half hours after the chequered flag. Leclerc received a 20‑second penalty, dropping him from P5 to P8.
• Steiner was already on his flight home when the penalties were announced. “If you don't know, guess what? Don't give a penalty,” he said.
• He argued stewards should focus on reviewing incidents during the race instead of watching it, and then make decisions quickly. “What are they doing during the race? They're there to take decisions.”
• For clear‑cut cases like crossing a white line, Steiner believes the evidence is available instantly and a penalty should be issued without delay.

What's next:

The FIA has not commented on Steiner's proposal, but the debate over post‑race penalty timing is likely to continue ahead of the next round. Teams may push for a standardized time limit in the Sporting Regulations to prevent similar delays in future.