Racing squad abstains from collaborating with Sky Sports, following Ralf Schumacher's broadcast statement on live TV
In the world of Formula One, tensions have arisen between Aston Martin and Sky Sports Germany, following a series of critical comments made by pundits Ralf Schumacher and an unspecified role of Peter Hardenacke.
At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lance Stroll finished a commendable seventh, while teammate Fernando Alonso clinched fifth place. However, the team's relationship with Sky Sports Germany took a turn for the worse.
The catalyst for this strain appears to stem from comments made by Ralf Schumacher during the British Grand Prix. Schumacher criticised Stroll for his team radio complaints, deeming them unacceptable and calling for an apology. This criticism seems to have added fuel to the fire.
In response, Aston Martin has limited Sky Sports Germany's access to interviews, citing a need for more balanced coverage. The team has not imposed a complete ban, but has withheld exclusive interviews as a means of pushing back against what they perceive as unfair and negative commentary.
It is worth noting that Schumacher and Hardenacke are associated with Sky Sports Germany, but their specific roles were not detailed.
The boycott comes at a time when Aston Martin is starting to show improvement, having earned points in recent races. This increased performance has sparked renewed interest in the team, with drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso performing well in recent weeks.
As of the current standings, both Stroll and Alonso have accumulated 26 points each, placing them 11th and 12th respectively, and Aston Martin is sixth in the Constructors standings.
The specific criticism that led to the boycott was not detailed in the provided paragraph. However, it is known that Stroll made derogatory comments about the Aston Martin car over his radio at Silverstone, stating it was the "worst piece of s**t he's ever driven."
In a statement, Peter Hardenacke mentioned that they were too critical of the people at Aston Martin. This boycott seems to be setting an example for Sky Sports Germany, as Aston Martin continues to make strides in the competitive world of Formula One.
[1] Bild, Aston Martin boycotts Sky Sports Germany, (2022). Available at: https://www.bild.de/sport/formel-1/aston-martin-boykott-sky-sports-germany-72450214.bild.html
[2] Motorsport, Aston Martin limits Sky Sports Germany's access following criticism, (2022). Available at: https://www.motorsport.com/formula1/news/aston-martin-sky-sports-germany-access-limitation/11154426/
- Tensions between Aston Martin and Sky Sports Germany in Formula One have escalated, particularly after comments made by Ralf Schumacher and Peter Hardenacke, with the team limiting the broadcaster's access to interviews in response.
- The boycott by Aston Martin against Sky Sports Germany comes at a time when the team is showing signs of improvement, with drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso earning points in recent races.
