Steiner: Verstappen's 'GOAT Status' Influences FIA Stewards

Guenther Steiner, former Haas team principal, suggests that Max Verstappen's current status as the 'GOAT' (Greatest Of All Time) in Formula 1 is a significant factor preventing FIA Stewards from penalizing him. This sentiment follows multiple incidents during the Mexico Grand Prix where Verstappen was involved in controversial on-track maneuvers but received no penalties.

Why it matters:

• Fairness and Consistency: Steiner's comments raise questions about the consistency and impartiality of stewarding decisions in F1, especially when a dominant driver is involved. This could lead to perceived 'celebrity calls' and undermine confidence in the officiating body.
• Impact on Racing: If top drivers are seen as immune to penalties, it could embolden them to take greater risks, potentially leading to more dangerous racing or a decline in fair play.
• Driver Influence: The suggestion that a driver's 'louder voice' and status can influence official decisions highlights a potential power imbalance within the sport, where popular or successful drivers might wield more informal power.

The Details:

• Mexico Grand Prix Incidents: During the Mexico Grand Prix, Verstappen was involved in several incidents, including corner-cutting and aggressive wheel-to-wheel battles that saw him, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton all go off track.
• No Penalties: Despite these incidents, the Red Bull Racing driver was not penalized by the Stewards for any of his actions.
• Steiner's Stance: Speaking on the Red Flags podcast, Steiner firmly stated that Verstappen's 'GOAT aura,' rather than his role as a title contender, influenced the Stewards' decisions.
  • He argued that Verstappen is