Günther Steiner reprimanded for his comments about race stewards
Günther Steiner, boss of Haas F1 Team, was reprimanded by the commissioners of the Spanish Grand Prix for the comments he made regarding the management of the Monaco events by the FIA.
The affair dates back several days. Günther Steiner spoke out against the decision of the Monaco Grand Prix commissioners to impose a time penalty on Nico Hülkenberg for a collision in the first lap.
Believing that his driver did not cause any unfortunate contact, he declared that it was time to appoint full-time professional stewards: In all professional sports, there are professionals who serve as referees in these kinds of situations. Formula 1 is one of the biggest sports in the world, and yet we still have amateurs deciding the fate of individuals who have invested millions in their careers. And it’s always a topic of discussion because there is no consistency.
I think we need to step up the game. I think the time has come. I think we have been discussing it for years and years and we always come back to this issue.
Summoned on Saturday before the Spanish Grand Prix
Steiner’s comments were not well received by the FIA, and he was summoned to answer potential allegations of misconduct for using language that could have caused offense, humiliation, or be deemed inappropriate.
Following a hearing held on Saturday, the Italo-American leader was reprimanded, but clarified that he had used the word “profane” in reference to the official dictionary definition: “a person who lacks professional or specialized knowledge in a particular field.”
In a statement released on Sunday morning, the commissioners declared: « The word «profane” used by Mr. Steiner and his reference to other sports with “professional” personnel could be, and have been, perceived as offensive and, in our opinion, have reasonably offended not only the Monaco commissioners, but also other members of the FIA staff and numerous volunteers in motorsport. »
The commissioners preferred to emphasize that the comments made by the boss of the American team were not aimed at the unprofessional manner in which they were acting, but rather that the term “profane” was intended for individuals who worked occasionally and not a lack of qualifications or specialization on the part of the race commissioners.
Steiner apologized
In a statement released after the verdict, Günther Steiner declared that the situation had been exacerbated by a misinterpretation of his choice of words, and apologized by assuring: (e) I explained to the commissioners that I did not intend to offend anyone and that my use of certain words could have been misinterpreted or misunderstood by certain individuals. I told the commissioners that I apologize if my statements were misunderstood or hurt someone, as it was not my intention. I reiterate these apologies here.
The commissioners have made it known that they accept the 58-year-old leader’s apologies.
