Former Haas team boss Gunther Steiner has criticised the current system of part-time Formula 1 stewards, calling for them to be made permanent employees to improve consistency in decision-making.

Steiner's remarks come after a season in which penalties and inconsistent rulings became a major talking point, even drawing criticism from the Grand Prix Drivers' Association.

When asked by Ouest-France what he would change about F1, Steiner was clear: "I would like the stewards to be permanent employees, so we have consistency in the penalties that are issued.

"Formula 1 is one of the biggest sports in the world," he added. "So I don't think it's fair that they are not full-time employees. Football referees are full-time, and they're paid for it.

"Responsibility must be rewarded," Steiner emphasised.

However, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem pushed back on the idea, citing financial constraints.

"I understand the interest in having professional stewards," Ben Sulayem said, "but we don't have the money for that."