Brutal Ralf Schumacher remark sparks Aston Martin theory after 'Sky snub' at Hungarian GP
Ralf Schumacher was highly critical of Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll at the Hungarian Grand Prix, leading to some theories from viewers watching on TV.
Ralf Schumacher's criticism of Lance Stroll at the British Grand Prix has led fans to theorise that the Sky Sport commentator has been banned from Aston Martin's paddock. The former Williams driver has been on hand this season to follow the races for the German version of broadcaster Sky, and he was left unhappy with Stroll's angry outburst at his car.
At Silverstone, Stroll struggled to deal with the hammering rain and troublesome track conditions, blaming his car throughout the race. Despite finishing seventh in the British GP back on July 6, the Canadian continued to have a pop at his team and his car, blasting: "This is the worst piece of s*** I’ve ever driven." Given that Stroll's father, Lawrence, owns the Formula One team he races for, fans were left baffled by his frustration – and Schumacher wasn't happy either. At the time, the 50-year-old slammed Stroll's outburst, saying: "It's completely unacceptable, and very rude."
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
He added: "I'm sure there was a big celebration at the Aston Martin factory when the person who is supposed to be racing ruins it like that. Someone should tell him, 'Sit down, son, and apologise to the team.'"
This comment looks to be aimed at Lawrence himself, as Michael Schumacher's younger brother critiqued Stroll for his harsh words – and these actions had consequences for both the ex-driver and his employer.
It was later revealed by Ralf and his co-commentator, Peter Hardenacke, that the Aston Martin team had refused to speak to them on Sky Sport Germany both before and after the Hungarian Grand Prix last weekend. This led some people to theorise that the broadcaster, or just Ralf himself, had been banned from the F1 team's paddock after Silverstone.
Schumacher said: "I know, we’re currently not being given any interviews because they don’t like us very much at the moment," to which Hardenacke added: "We were a bit too critical of the people at Aston Martin."
As per Bild, Aston Martin's boycott of Sky Sport and Schumacher is actually because the team's management were frustrated by Sky's lack of interest in the team's media events, as well as their heavy criticism during races.
For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express F1 newsletter, or join our WhatsApp community here.
It is believed that the team has stated that Sky is welcome at official FIA events, due to the clause in the F1 contracts that doesn't allow any of the drivers or their owners to refuse interviews with broadcasters.
However, Aston Martin are free to do as they please in their own hospitality areas during the season, and post-race interviews are also at the descretion of the team.
While this is the latest broadcasting boycott by an F1 team, it is not the first time that Sky have landed in hot water with team owners. Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner temporarily refused to give an interview to Sky Sports, as he found their reporting too negative.
Schumacher will likely be hoping that his recent critiques of Stroll and his team will die down over the sport's summer break, in time for the Dutch Grand Prix on August 31.
