Drastic words from former Haas team boss Günther Steiner (59)!
It is an open secret that the South Tyrolean had a complicated relationship with Mick Schumacher (25) – the son of record world champion Michael Schumacher (55). But he really had trouble with Mick’s uncle Ralf Schumacher (49)!
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In his book “Unfiltered: My Incredible Decade in Formula 1” he admits that as team boss he should have been above things. He would have had to approach many things differently.
And then follows up: “Just like I would kick Ralf’s ass through the paddock instead of just thinking about it. I wanted his blood in 2022.”
Strong statement from Steiner!
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Those: Instagram @valtteribottas16.11.2024
What he means by that: During Mick’s time at Haas, Steiner had a heated argument with Ralf Schumacher. He publicly criticized Steiner and accused him of treating his nephew badly.
Ralf Schumacher accused Steiner, among other things, of actively fighting to ensure that his nephew has no future in Formula 1 and does not get a cockpit at Alpine.
Steiner didn’t skimp on criticism and was team boss of Schumi’s son in his first (and so far only) two years in the team Formula 1 (2021 and 2022). He didn’t shy away from criticism and ensured that Mick’s contract was not extended in the end.
Ralf Schumacher (l.) often publicly supports his nephew Mick Schumacher (r.).
Photo: picture alliance / Eibner-Pressefoto
In his book, Steiner continues: “Around this time my well-known war of words with Mick’s Uncle Ralf began. Do you remember? That made more headlines than some of the damn races.”
And: “He and I have since buried the hatchet, but I openly admit that the timing of Ralf’s outbursts couldn’t have been worse. It helped drive a wedge between us.”
Around two weeks ago, Mick’s dream of Formula 1 suddenly ended. The Sauber racing team announced that the Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto (20) will be racing for Audi next season – and not the son of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher.
Ate about racing and wanted to prove myself in Formula 1. However, I understand the nature of the sport and the business decisions that come with it.
Introduction:
DRUID: Good morning and welcome to today’s interview with two distinguished guests, Mr. Günther Steiner and Mr. Mick Schumacher. We are discussing the recent release of Mr. Steiner’s book “Unfiltered: My Incredible Decade in Formula 1” and the drastic statements he made about Mick’s uncle, Ralf Schumacher. For those who are not aware, Mr. Steiner was Haas team boss when Mick was a part of the team.
Topic 1: The Heated Argument with Ralf Schumacher
DRUID: Mr. Steiner, you mentioned having a heated argument with Ralf Schumacher during Mick’s time at Haas. Could you tell us more about what triggered this argument and how it escalated?
GÜNTHER STEINER: Well, our opinions on how Mick’s Formula 1 career was being handled differed greatly. I felt that he was not being given enough opportunities and didn’t have the best equipment to showcase his talent. I believe this led to a public spat between us when Ralf publicly criticized me, which I felt was unnecessary and unfair.
TOPIC 2: Active Effort to Ensure a Future in Formula 1
MICK SCHUMACHER: What exactly did Ralf accuse you of, Mr. Steiner? And how do you respond to his claims that you were actively trying to keep him out of Formula 1?
GÜNTHER STEINER: Ralf said I was not giving him a fair chance and ensuring that he didn’t get opportunities. That’s simply not true. As team boss, my priority was to field the strongest possible lineup for the team. Any decision to not extend Mick’s contract was based on performance and potential, not personal bias.
TOPIC 3: The End of Mick’s Formula 1 Dream
DRUID: Mick, can you share your thoughts on the recent news that Gabriel Bortoleto will be racing for Audi next season instead of you? How does it feel to have your Formula 1 dream come to an end?
MICK SCHUMACHER: Of course, it’s disappointing. I have always been passion
