Ex-Haas Boss Guenther Steiner Criticizes Ferrari’s Stubbornness on Strategy Calls

Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner argues that Ferrari’s reluctance to own up to strategic mistakes is actively undermining its on‑track performance.

Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner reviewed the decisions made during the chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix, where Ferrari opted to start on soft slicks despite wet conditions.

The gamble backfired immediately, dropping both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc down the order in the opening laps. Despite a rough start, the duo fought back from the rear to finish third and fourth.

Steiner pointed out that Ferrari’s hesitation to switch to intermediate tyres—unlike McLaren’s swift change for Oscar Piastri—reveals an unwillingness to admit fault.

He said, “At McLaren it’s like, ‘OK, we got it wrong, let’s fix it.’ At Ferrari it’s, ‘No, we must appear right even when we’re wrong, because admitting error is unacceptable.’”

He added, “It’s not something you discuss in the moment; it lingers in the back of your mind: ‘This must be the right call, don’t change it, otherwise I’d be admitting a mistake.’”

Hamilton, who started second, confessed to mixed feelings after the race. While pleased to return to the podium, he wondered what might have been had they begun on intermediates.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Photo by: Colin McMaster / LAT Images via Getty Images

Hamilton elaborated: “It’s a mixed feeling. On one hand I’m truly grateful to be back on the podium. On the other, seeing the car ahead strip off its covers while we stayed on slicks, with the track still slick and dangerous, made my heart sink. I thought the race was over.” He recalled debating whether to pit, but decided to stay out, trusting the decision and waiting for the track to dry. “Eventually it did, and I just kept pushing, never giving up.” He concluded: “I never imagined I’d recover to third. We were over a minute behind, and the track took ages to dry. Normally it dries quickly in the heat, but not this time. The crew did a solid job on pit stops, and I wish we’d had more chances to move forward. The late safety car was a gift that helped me salvage a podium.”

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