Steiner summoned by FIA stewards over Russia radio comments

Haas Formula 1 team boss Gunther Steiner has been summoned by the FIA-appointed stewards over his critical comments made following the Russian Grand Prix two weeks ago.

Steiner lashed out at the stewards in Sochi after Haas driver Kevin Magnussen was hit with a five-second time penalty for cutting a corner and allegedly gaining an advantage, dropping the Dane from eighth to ninth in the final classification.

Steiner told Magnussen via team radio "if we wouldn’t have a stupid, idiotic steward we would be eighth", with the comments piquing the interest of the FIA in the aftermath of the race.

Race director Michael Masi confirmed after the race in Russia that any potential comments that may bring the sport into disrepute could be investigated by the stewards, saying: "If something has been said that is inappropriate, there are those who are in charge of the judicial elements away from the event that can look at it."

In a bulletin issued during opening practice at Suzuka on Friday, it was confirmed that Steiner had been summoned to the see the stewards at 1230 local time (0430 BST) over his comments and the "alleged breach of Articles 12.1.1 c) and f) FIA International Sporting Code by the Haas F1 Team at 15:49."

These articles forbid "any fraudulent conduct or any act prejudicial to the interests of any Competition or to the interests of motor sport generally" and "any words, deeds or writings that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its executive officers."