Under Former Race Director Charlie Whiting, Hamilton Became an Eight-Time Champion

Günther Steiner’s Insights from the Pit Lane

Günther Steiner has recently released a new book, Unfiltered, following the success of his previous work, Surviving to Drive. The colorful former team principal offers readers an inside look at the captivating world of Formula 1, delving into the complexities and drama of the sport. In this latest publication, Steiner does not shy away from discussing the infamous 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he claims that under a different race director, Lewis Hamilton might have secured his eighth world championship title.

Steiner’s Struggles with FIA Officials

During his tenure as team principal of the Haas Formula 1 team from 2016 to 2023, Günther Steiner found himself at odds various times with the FIA stewards. Known for his candid remarks and unfiltered opinions, Steiner has cultivated a cult following among fans. In Unfiltered, he articulates how he gradually lost faith in the organization’s leadership, an opinion shaped by numerous contentious interactions with officials throughout his career.

The Deterioration of Accountability in F1

Reflecting on the state of governance within Formula 1, Steiner commented, “Following the passing of Charlie Whiting, the former race director, in 2019, the governing body has lost its sense of accountability and humility.” He expresses concern that such a shift is detrimental to the sport. Using the controversial events of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP as a case study, he recounts how Race Director Michael Masi’s split-second decision to restart the race led to Hamilton losing the championship to Max Verstappen, a move that left many questioning the integrity of the sport.

A Call for Better Governance

“It doesn’t matter who you are rooting for; while it was undeniably thrilling entertainment, from a regulatory perspective, it was an astonishingly poor display,” Steiner asserts. He believes that regardless of how Whiting may have approached the situation, the outcome would likely have been less charged with controversy and embarrassment. “We all understand what Whiting’s approach would have been: had he been in control, Hamilton would likely be an eight-time world champion today,” Steiner concludes, showcasing his frustration with the current state of affairs in Formula 1.

Günther Steiner’s candid revelations in Unfiltered not .comy provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the pressures faced by team principals but also provoke deeper discussions about the regulatory framework governing the sport. His insights challenge fans and officials alike to reflect on the evolving nature of Formula 1 and the importance of maintaining integrity and accountability in the high-stakes environment of motor racing.