F1 News: FIA Blasted As Fans Jump To Haas Chief's Defence - "Really Shameful!"

Explore the controversy surrounding Haas F1 Boss, Guenther Steiner's criticism of Formula 1's handling of the Hulkenberg incident, leading to a summons from the stewards.

In the high-speed world of Formula 1, things can escalate quickly, not only on the tracks but, arguably more often these days, off them. Haas F1 boss Guenther Steiner found himself in hot water after being summoned to the stewards for voicing his criticism of the FIA, and it's safe to say that fans are up in arms over the situation, but what is it all about?

This took place right after the Spanish Grand Prix's last practice session which started earlier today, and was a direct response to the Haas chief voicing his dissatisfaction over how an incident involving his driver, Nico Hulkenberg, was managed. 

The controversy centred around the penalty given to Hulkenberg by the Monaco Grand Prix race stewards for colliding with American rookie Logan Sargeant during the first lap. Steiner maintains that the German driver wasn't the true instigator of the collision and hadn't even been trying to overtake the Williams driver.

Last Friday, he said the following in the drivers' meeting, Steiner argued: 

“It’s like, F1 is one of the biggest sports in the world and we still have laymen deciding on the fate of people that invest millions in their careers.” 

His outspoken critique led the stewards at the Spanish Grand Prix to summon him.

The FIA is now investigating Steiner for alleged violations of the international sporting code's sections 12.2.1.c, 12.2.1.f, and 12.2.1.k. These allegations include “any fraudulent conduct or any act prejudicial to the interests of any Competition or to the interests of motor sport generally.”

The summoning of Steiner has ruffled the feathers of many fans. They believe that the FIA's ire has been stirred due to Steiner's call for a professional restructuring of Formula One and his suggestion that stewards should be hired on a full-time basis. As the dust settles, one thing is clear - this off-track drama has just added another level of excitement to the already thrilling Spanish Grand Prix.

Here are some of the best comments on the situation:

Ridiculous. Guenther said nothing wrong, mentioned no names, and rightly pointed out the inconsistencies in stewarding that have been raised time and time again. https://t.co/4VV11yxAnv

— JenGo 🧡 #BelieveInMcLaren (@Jengo37) June 3, 2023

this is so ridiculous, he's totally right. it's absurd that f1 doesn't have professional stewards https://t.co/LC9PN4p0ot

— j⁷ 🏁 (@moonIunatik) June 3, 2023

“Guenther, please stop speaking common sense in the media. It makes us look bad when you say pretty basic things that we aren’t doing.” https://t.co/KRB8EalS0z

— Brett Hudson (@Brett_Hudson) June 3, 2023

But I mean is he really wrong? We all want consistency. https://t.co/fJNKHxTw2E

— Marie🌸LET’S GO CHECO! (@ma_fe79) June 3, 2023

Of course, very on brand for the @fia to have a policy of opinion suppression, rather than showing openness to what actually is fair criticism of a flawed system. https://t.co/CUmqK4MJD5

— Jay 🏁 (@WhingerSpice) June 3, 2023

It's the only way they can make consistent decisions, he is right for once 😭 https://t.co/9B7EgF6IwZ

— 🌼 (@theredsedici) June 3, 2023

So why can't F1 as a global championship with big $ involved have full time professional stewards. Summoning Gunther to the Stewards is like a naughty student being called to the Heads office because he has an opinion 🤣 https://t.co/B9zF1d6F6r

— Richard Cormack #LN4 #OP81 #PO05 #FWNM #MCL38 🇦🇺 (@RichC_McLaren1) June 3, 2023

FIA can't handle constructive criticism, now they take freedom of speech away. https://t.co/u7HUMygvUn

— Omphile (@king_meezy10) June 3, 2023

We'll hear the results of the summons tomorrow.