Guenther Steiner, known for his candid demeanor, has voiced his disapproval of how the FIA handled the recent controversy surrounding swearing in Formula 1. The issue came to light when Max Verstappen was penalized for using coarse language during a press conference, prompting FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to enforce a stricter stance on driver conduct.

Steiner suggested that the FIA’s public handling of the situation was unnecessary and that a more discreet approach could have resolved the matter. He emphasized that drivers should have been privately advised to tone down their language instead of facing public penalties, which only fueled controversy. According to Steiner, addressing such issues in private meetings would have allowed the FIA to maintain respect among drivers while avoiding unnecessary drama.

The outspoken former Haas team boss pointed out that enforcing penalties on a world champion like Verstappen could easily escalate, as the Dutch driver holds significant influence in the sport. Steiner highlighted that the world of racing is filled with adrenaline, and drivers often react in the heat of the moment. Expecting them to maintain perfect composure under extreme pressure is unrealistic, and occasional outbursts are a natural part of the sport’s high-stakes environment. He expressed that drivers aren’t “robots,” and suppressing their emotions could detract from the sport’s appeal.

Max Verstappen’s penalty, which included a community service requirement, was met with ridicule from other drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, who dismissed the punishment as “a bit of a joke.” Verstappen himself revealed that the decision was laughed at within the drivers’ group chat, suggesting it was seen as an overreaction.

Steiner’s remarks were echoed by Alex Wurz, the Chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), who defended Verstappen and noted the irony of targeting swearing when Steiner himself gained notoriety for his colorful language on the Netflix series “Drive to Survive.” Wurz argued that the punishment sent mixed messages, making the FIA’s intentions unclear.

Additionally, FIA Steward Johnny Herbert provided insight into the decision-making process, explaining that the organization wanted to set a precedent against swearing, especially in public settings like press conferences. However, the general consensus among drivers and experts is that the FIA overstepped, making a bigger issue out of a momentary lapse in judgment.

Despite the backlash, FIA President Ben Sulayem stood by the decision, reiterating that Formula 1 drivers are role models and must maintain a standard of conduct. Yet, the controversy over how the situation was handled has reignited discussions about how much control the FIA should exert over the sport’s culture and the behavior of its stars.

Steiner’s comments highlight the need for a more nuanced approach, suggesting that a personal, respectful request to drivers would have been more effective than enforcing penalties. He believes that such situations are best resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation, particularly with high-profile athletes who are often the face of the sport.

As Formula 1 continues to grow globally, with millions of fans tuning in every week, the FIA faces the challenge of balancing professionalism with the raw, authentic spirit that attracts fans to the sport. The recent clampdown on swearing has sparked debates about freedom of expression and the nature of competitive racing, indicating that the issue may not be resolved anytime soon.

As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether the FIA will adjust its approach or continue to enforce stricter conduct rules. However, what is clear is that the conversation about how Formula 1 drivers express themselves isn’t going away, and the sport must navigate this complex issue carefully to preserve its authenticity without compromising professionalism.