Steiner: Verstappen’s ‘GOAT status’ makes FIA afraid to punish him

During the Mexico Grand Prix, Verstappen was involved in several incidents including corner-cutting and a number of wheel-to-wheel battles which caused him and fellow F1 drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton - as well as himself - to go off track.

However, the Red Bull Racing driver came away scot-free from all incidences, and Steiner believes his current GOAT aura - not his role as the underdog title contender - played an impact in the Stewards decision not to penalise Verstappen.

Speaking on the Red Flags podcast, he said: "I don't think it has to do with 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 one than anything else.”

When asked if Verstappen had struck fear in the Stewards, keeping them from punishing him, Steiner answered: “[They're afraid] Of the GOAT in there [in F1] at the moment, you know? And that comes with the status of the goat.

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

When asked if the FIA Stewards’ decision not to penalise Verstappen had been a "celebrity call", Steiner responded with a firm, “Exactly.”

The four-time world champion's actions at the Mexico Grand Prix were addressed by Lewis Hamilton who accused the governing body of having double standards at the time of issuing penalties, labeling the 10 seconds sanction he received at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez "pretty nuts."

George Russell was also quite vocal regarding his issues with Verstappen's driving in Mexico, branding him "a fucking joke" after the Red Bull Racing driver pushed Haas rookie Oliver Bearman off.

The British driver also criticised the Stewards decision not to penalise Verstappen saying a podium finish would've been in the cards for him had the race officials taken proper action.

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