F1 team bosses should not be allowed to operate a lobby for stewards

Horner was furious that Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff was able to speak to the stewards during their deliberations on the accident between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen at the British Grand Prix last weekend.

After Wolff was instructed over team radio by F1 Race Director Michael Masi to speak to the stewards, Horner marched there himself to make sure his team’s views were not ignored.

But he believes teams that have direct access to stewards in such debates should not be allowed.

“I saw Toto lobbying the stewards and I heard he was going there, so I went to make sure we had our opinion,” Horner explained, explaining why he was spotted with the stewards.

“I don’t think it’s right that a team boss can influence the stewards. They should be locked away so that they are not influenced.

“It was unacceptable to me that he went up there to influence the stewards. I wanted to make sure a balanced opinion was given, rather than trying to put pressure on law enforcement officers to get a low sentence. “

Horner believes it is in Formula 1’s interest if the stewards conduct their deliberations in complete isolation rather than possibly being influenced from outside.

“I don’t think the stewards should intervene,” he said. “You need to be clear-headed to make these decisions.

“I went to the stewards because I heard that Toto was up there presenting a case. They want it to be fair and balanced, and I don’t think anyone should be allowed to see the stewards. “

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But despite Horner’s views on the matter, F1 Race Director Michael Masi said he had no problem with the stewards having an open door policy on teams.

“If we have an incident after the race, we invite the teams and drivers to appear before the commissioners,” he said.

“We had the case in Monza last year when Lewis spoke to the stewards to understand what happened and see the bigger picture. This ability is present during lockdown, so there is no reason not to. “