FIA President Addresses Steward Controversy: 'They Think We're Against the British'

The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort this year was not just about Max Verstappen's performance or his opening-lap crash that forced the Dutch driver to retire. What stirred even more controversy were the two drive-through penalties handed to Franco Colapinto (Alpine) and Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) for overtaking under yellow flags after Verstappen's incident. These penalties ignited a major debate about the fairness of F1 stewards, and ultimately, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem had to step in personally to explain. Both Colapinto and Lindblad contested the stewards' decision. They argued that the yellow-flag situation was unclear and that the penalty was too harsh. Immediately, a wave of criticism from Argentine fans – Colapinto's home country – erupted on social media. An executive from one of Colapinto's sponsors even questioned the integrity of the FIA. This forced Ben Sulayem to speak out at a press conference during the FIA American Congress in Buenos Aires. "People think we are against the Argentines. No, we are not against anyone," Ben Sulayem said. "But I also hear from the United Kingdom that they think we are against the British. We are not against anyone. Our job is to ensure fairness." This statement reveals a complex reality: F1 stewards face pressure from multiple sides, and every decision is scrutinized through a national lens. From a technical standpoint, overtaking under yellow flags is a clear violation of the FIA International Sporting Code. However, the key question is whether the drivers received the signal in time. Colapinto and Lindblad claim they did not see the yellow flag at that section, but marshalling systems and video evidence suggest otherwise. This is a classic problem in sports: the line between technical error and subjective human judgment. Ben Sulayem did not stop at defending the stewards. He announced reform plans: the FIA will ask Member Clubs (ASNs) to nominate steward candidates, building a more rotational and better-trained officiating corps. This move is seen as a strategic step to reduce accusations of bias while increasing the professionalism of race management. "We will have a new steward training program, and stewards will be rotated more frequently," Ben Sulayem affirmed. "This helps ensure that no perception of bias exists, whether real or perceived." But will reform be enough to appease angry fans? In the past, the FIA has faced waves of online abuse targeting stewards, notably a death threat case against a Miami steward. Ben Sulayem emphasized that the FIA will firmly combat online abuse, but changing public perception is a long-term battle. For Colapinto, this is not just a penalty. He is the only Argentine driver on the F1 grid, and every decision regarding him is watched by millions of fans back home. Ben Sulayem revealed that he called Colapinto directly to explain and reassure him. "I called Franco. I wanted him to understand that there is no prejudice here," he said. Meanwhile, Arvid Lindblad – a young British driver – found himself in a similar situation. His involvement in this debate inadvertently added a new dimension: if the British believe the FIA is against them, then Lindblad is living proof that stewards are willing to penalize British drivers too. However, this did not lessen the anger from Argentine fans, who see Colapinto as a national icon. From a strategic perspective, this incident exposes an inherent weakness in F1's power structure: stewards are often drawn from a small pool of experts, mostly European, lacking cultural and experiential diversity. The plan for rotation and training through ASNs could help address this, but it also risks politicizing the appointment process. Ben Sulayem, as FIA President, is walking a tightrope. He must balance the interests of member clubs, teams, drivers, and millions of fans. Publicly addressing bias accusations is a courageous move, but it also shows the pressure he is under. The Constructors' standings may not change much after this incident, but fan trust in the fairness of the championship is another story. If the FIA fails to implement substantive changes, similar controversies will erupt at future races. In summary, the Dutch GP 2026 was not just a race; it was a test of the FIA's governance ability under pressure from nationality, media, and fan emotions. Ben Sulayem chose dialogue over silence, and that may be the right step. But as every record on the track begins with a touch of the ball, changes in the boardroom also need time to prove their value. For Colapinto and Lindblad, they will have to accept the penalty and move on to the next race. For the FIA, the battle to regain trust has only just begun.