A method of operating a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle for performing an automatic steering intervention involves detecting how firmly a driver is holding a steering wheel, and determining an intensity value i.e. control value dependent on how firmly the driver is holding the steering wheel. The control value is higher when the driver is holding the steering wheel more firmly, and lower when the driver is holding the steering wheel less firmly. The method then applies an automatic steering intervention with an applied intensity that is controlled in accordance with the control value, so that the applied intensity of the automatic steering intervention is higher when the driver is holding the steering wheel more firmly, and lower when the driver is holding the steering wheel less firmly. A steering assistance system includes a memory, a processor, sensors and an automatic steering control system, to implement the method.