Following the collision between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton on the first lap of the British GP, which caused the Dutchman to hit the barriers with a 51G impact, both Red Bull and Mercedes had conversations over the radio with Race Director Micheal Masi. The investigation, that ended with a 10s penalty for Hamilton, was still open when Toto Wolff and Christian Horner turned up to the stewards’ office to argue their driver’s case. 

First in line was the Mercedes Team Principal, who later explained to Motorsport.com that he was "told after the accident that Christian, in particular, had a pretty erratic discussion with the race director.” 

"So I contacted the race director and he advised me to go to the stewards, or to speak to the stewards directly, which I did."

Relive the messages shared to FIA Race Director Michael Masi from Red Bull and Mercedes post-incident #BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/56CHVqtGIE

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 19, 2021

After hearing Wolff’s radio conversation with Masi, Horner made his way there as well. 

"I don't think the stewards should be interfered with," he commented. "They need to be clear headed to be able to make those decisions.”

"I went to see the stewards because I'd heard that Toto was up there, presenting a case. You want it to be fair and balanced, and I don't think anybody should be allowed to see the stewards."

And this is exactly what is going to happen from the Hungarian GP on: anyone other than the officials themselves will be admitted to the stewards’ office only if summoned there or was granted “prior approval” to acced.
If teams won’t comply with these guidelines they “may be considered to have breached Article 12.2.1.i of the International Sporting Code,” Masi warned in a note.
An infringement that could be sanctioned with a fine, points deduction or even disqualification.