Max Verstappen’s F1 Dominance Influencing FIA Stewards’ Decisions

Max Verstappen‘s “GOAT status” shields him from penalties, says Steiner

Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner believes Max Verstappen’s reputation as F1’s “Greatest Of All Time” is keeping stewards from penalizing him properly during races.

“[They’re afraid] of the GOAT in there at the moment,” Steiner said on the Red Flags podcast. “And that comes with the status of the goat.”

The controversy stems from the Mexico Grand Prix, where Verstappen was involved in multiple incidents – cutting corners and forcing several drivers off track during wheel-to-wheel battles with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

Despite these incidents, the Red Bull driver escaped without any penalties.

Steiner doesn’t think it’s just about Verstappen being a title contender.

“I don’t think it has to do with leading the charge because Max, you know, if he thinks he was treated unfairly, he’s very vocal and maybe they are more worried about that than anything else.”

When directly asked if Verstappen had intimidated the stewards, Steiner didn’t hold back.

“He has got a louder voice. If you are on top, your voice is more powerful. He has a lot more impact than when you are second last,” he explained.

Steiner confirmed he believes the decision not to penalize Verstappen was a “celebrity call.”

## Hamilton and Russell blast Verstappen’s driving

Lewis Hamilton was furious after the race, accusing F1 officials of having double standards when it comes to penalties. The seven-time champion called his own 10-second penalty at the same race “pretty nuts” compared to Verstappen’s lack of punishment.

George Russell was even more blunt.

He branded Verstappen “a fucking joke” after watching the Dutch driver force Haas rookie Oliver Bearman off the track.

Russell believes he would have finished on the podium if officials had properly penalized Verstappen’s aggressive driving tactics.

The controversy adds another chapter to the ongoing debate about consistency in F1 officiating and whether top drivers receive preferential treatment.

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