Guenther Steiner has disagreed with the choice to punish Max Verstappen for swearing.
The Crimson Bull driver was hit with a group service penalty after describing his RB20 at “f*****” in a press convention in Singapore.
Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris disputed the FIA’s determination to penalise Verstappen, who staged his personal protests to make his annoyance clear.
Ex-Haas crew principal Steiner was beforehand probably the most infamous foul mouth in F1.
His swearing turned iconic throughout Netflix’s Drive To Survive.
However he advised Crimson Flags podcast: “You have got by no means heard me cursing in a press convention, or something like this.”
However he caught up for Verstappen.
“I don’t suppose it’s exaggerated, what was carried out. Max defined the scenario about his automotive, not about an individual,” Steiner mentioned.
“Are there different phrases he may have chosen? Sure.
“He mentioned terminology which is used so much. Sure.
“Perhaps it isn’t proper. However is it improper? Perhaps additionally not.
“I’m very a lot on the fence right here.
“Within the race, on the radio, I can absolutely perceive it as a result of the adrenaline is excessive.
“What you say there, you don’t imply it. You don’t take it dwelling with you.
“F1 is excellent at bleeping it out. They bleep out two phrases…
“I don’t suppose it was essential to make such a giant factor out of it.”
Steiner remembered one other FIA directive to punish F1 drivers who wore jewelry contained in the paddock, which irked Hamilton.
“For me, it’s very related with the jewelry,” Steiner remembered.
“We’re in 2024. That’s what I attempt to recognise. Any person sporting an earring? Might I care much less?”