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FIA ready to levy severe punishment on Steiner

Haas boss Guenther Steiner's scathing criticism of the stewards' call against his team in the Russian Grand Prix could prove very costly for the Italian and the US outfit.

In Sochi, Haas' Kevin Magnussen was handed a 5-second time penalty during the race for venturing off track at Turn 2 while fighting Racing Point's Sergio Perez.

But the Dane failed to pass to the left of the bollards placed in the corner's run-off area, a move frowned upon by the stewards who hit the driver with a penalty.

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Magnussen salvaged a ninth-place finish but on the cool down lap, Steiner objected to the sanction, insisting the call was made by "a stupid idiotic steward".

However, according to a report from Germany's Motorsport-Total, a post-race confrontation between the stewards and Steiner escalated, with the Haas team boss refusing to apologize for his attitude earlier in the day and lashing out at FIA steward Emanuele Pirro in particular.

The clash between the two men and Steiner's attitude in Sochi has prompted the FIA to consider an exemplary punishment for Haas or its team principal.

Motorsport-Total says three potential sanctions are apparently under discussion. The FIA could send Steiner packing for a few races and restrict his access to the paddock; it could also hit Haas with a hefty $250,000 fine for bringing the sport into disrepute; finally, the governing body could deduct points from Haas' tally in the Constructors' standings.

It's likely Steiner will be keeping a low profile this weekend in Suzuka, if the Haas boss on the team's pitwall, which remains to be confirmed.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.