Steiner reprimanded for calling Monaco Grand Prix stewards “laymen”

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has been given a formal reprimand after he was investigated by the stewards for comments he made to the media on Thursday.

Steiner was frustrated by a penalty his driver Nico Hulkenberg was given on the first lap of the Monaco Grand Prix. He described F1’s rotating group of FIA-appointed stewards as “laymen” and said the series should have permanent staff who referee every race.

The stewards ruled he had violated article 12.2.1.k of the International Sporting Code which forbids “the use of language… which might reasonably be expected or be perceived to… cause offence, humiliation or to be inappropriate.”

They stated: “Mr Steiner’s word ‘laymen’ and his reference to other sports having ‘professional’ personnel could be, and indeed were, perceived to cause offence and in our view reasonably did cause offence not only to the stewards in Monaco but also to other FIA personnel and many motorsport volunteers.”

However the stewards accepted a statement made by Steiner during a hearing yesterday in which he apologised for his words and said he had “meant to refer to people who worked in a role as their profession and not that the stewards were acting unprofessionally.”

“Further Mr Steiner stated his reference to ‘laymen’ was meant to refer to people who worked occasionally and not meant to refer a lack of qualifications or specialisation,” they noted.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was given an official warning in 2021 when he called a marshal “rogue” for waving a yellow flag which led to Max Verstappen receiving a penalty.

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

Stewards’ verdict on Steiner

1. Article 12.2.1.k refers to “misconduct” which is defined in the ISC as “..the use of language….which might reasonably be expected or be perceived to…cause offence, humiliation or to be inappropriate”.

2. Mr Steiner’s word “laymen” and his reference to other sports having “professional” personnel could be, and indeed were, perceived to cause offence and in our view reasonably did cause offence not only to the Stewards in Monaco but also to other FIA personnel and many motorsport volunteers.

3. However, the stewards accept Mr Steiner’s statement during the hearing, that his reference to professionalism was meant to refer to people who worked in a role as their profession and not that the Stewards were acting unprofessionally.

4. Further Mr Steiner stated his reference to “laymen” was meant to refer to people who worked occasionally and not meant to refer a lack of qualifications or specialisation.

5. Mr Steiner also freely apologised “if anyone was hurt by what I said or misunderstood what I said”. The stewards accept this apology.

6. Mr Steiner stated that if he had meant to insult or offend anyone he would have used much different words. The stewards do not dispute this.

7. The stewards note that any party has the right to disagree with any determination of the stewards of an event, however are strongly of the view that such disagreement should, and can, be expressed respectfully.

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

2023 Spanish Grand Prix

• Ben Sulayem raises safety concerns over “too many people on the grid” at races
• Why Ferrari say their change in design is the result of “discipline”, not “copying”
• Hamilton and Russell were seeking tow from Sainz when they collided – Mercedes
• Red Bull’s Spanish GP diffuser update was ‘inspired by rivals’ including Williams
• Why McLaren always doubted second-row start in Spain would lead to points finish

Browse all 2023 Spanish Grand Prix articles