The Formula 1 race began with a visit to the Netherlands, where Natalie Corsmit was appointed as the new FIA Steward, making her debut at the Canadian Grand Prix on June 8, 2025. This was a significant achievement for Corsmit herself, but also for Dutch motor racing, which plays a prominent role in the premier class. For Max Verstappen, who is currently fighting his penalty points under pressure from the state, landing on the Steward team might represent a subtle step in the carpet interview, but Corsmit knows that objectivity is paramount.

Natalie Corsmit, daughter of former Formula 1 driver John Corsmit, is no expert in motor racing. He has been a civil servant for over a year, carrying out a demanding public service. In 2021, he was deployed as a steward in Formula 2 and Formula 3, the Formula 1 entry classes, which required him to intervene repeatedly in handling incidents and administering the rules. The name comes from the FIA ​​High Performance Program, an initiative for highly talented officials who are on their way, and she has chosen to pursue a career in Formula 1. “I’ve worked hard to make this step,” Corsmit told Motorsport.com. “I’m kind enough to meet you until I get to Formula 1; this is my room.”

Corsmit’s Canadian debut has just begun. He was later selected as a steward during the Singapore and Mexican Grands Prix, while he was awarded the KNAF national stewardship award at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. The application is a recognition of her skills and expertise, but also a step towards improving gender diversity in Formula 1. Corsmit is one of the leading administrators in various sports, along with Silvia Bellot and Tanja Geilhausen. “The FIA ​​​​will welcome more women into this role,” she said after finalizing the selected shortlist of female candidates for the High Performance Program.

For Max Verstappen, Corsmit’s appointment comes at a crucial time. The Red Bull driver has 11 penalty points on his superlicence, just one point shy of an automatic one-race ban. Recent controversies, such as his collision with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix, have heightened tensions with the FIA. Some media have speculated that a Dutch steward could ease the relationship between Verstappen and race management, but Corsmit is clear about her role: “I want to judge strictly according to the rules.” Her preparation has been thorough, with a focus on studying the regulations, previous race incidents and video footage to ensure objective decisions.

Corsmit’s path to Formula 1 has been not only a professional success, but also a personal triumph. As an education manager at MBO Amersfoort and a mother of four, she combines her passion for motorsport with a busy family life. “My husband and children are super proud,” she said. “They gave me the space to do this, and without their support it wouldn’t have been possible.” Her grandfather’s legacy, combined with her own determination, makes her appointment extra special. Forty years after John Corsmit’s role as steward at the 1985 Dutch Grand Prix, his granddaughter is carrying on the family tradition.

The Dutch motorsport community is celebrating Corsmit’s achievement as a sign of her growing influence. With Verstappen as a four-time world champion and Zandvoort a permanent stop on the F1 calendar, the Netherlands is cementing its position in the sport. Corsmit’s presence on the stewards’ team symbolises not only national pride, but also the evolution of Formula 1 into a more inclusive and professional organisation. As the Canadian Grand Prix approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting how Corsmit will fulfil her role in a race that could prove crucial to Verstappen’s season. Her appointment promises to usher in a new chapter for both Dutch motorsport and Formula 1 itself.