P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sauber Team Principal and former Red Bull Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley has defended the FIA’s stewarding procedures in F1 following criticism from former colleague Christian Horner.
Sauber Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley has defended the FIA’s stewarding procedures in Formula 1 following criticism from former colleague Christian Horner. Wheatley, who previously served Red Bull for 18 years, now leads Sauber (soon to be Audi) and commended the FIA’s decisions.
Sauber had a tough start to the 2025 season but saw success at the Spanish Grand Prix with Nico Hulkenberg finishing sixth after overtaking Lewis Hamilton. Max Verstappen received a penalty for a collision, which moved Hulkenberg into fifth place.
Despite Red Bull’s call for Verstappen to give up a position, Wheatley believes teams generally make correct decisions on-track, showing confidence in their professionalism. He acknowledged the improvements in stewarding in recent years but emphasized that it is an evolving process.
Wheatley spoke highly of the work the FIA is doing with stewarding and highlighted the complexity of their role during races, showing understanding towards the pressures faced by race control. He expressed his support for the continued progress in stewarding, noting that it remains a collaborative effort within the sport.
