Aston Martin have opted not to give interviews to Sky Germany due to recent negative coverage of the squad, Express Sport understands. This follows alleged unbalanced reporting from the broadcaster. According to a report from German newspaper BILD, Sky Germany’s request to speak to Aston Martin’s chief trackside officer, Mike Krack, ahead of the Hungarian GP, was declined by the Silverstone squad. Owner Lawrence Stroll also rejected a conversation live on air.
Explaining this to their viewers, Schumacher revealed: “I know they’re not giving us any more interviews because they don’t like us that much at the moment.” Co-pundit Peter Hardenacke added further context. “We were a bit too critical of the people at Aston Martin,” he confessed.
Express Sport understands that Aston Martin have limited the team’s access to drivers and team personnel for the foreseeable future until more balanced reporting takes place. Conversations between the two parties are ongoing with the aim of resolving the issue.
While Sky Germany will not be enjoying any one-to-one interviews in the near future, they will still be able to speak with Aston Martin team personnel during the open media sessions that take place on Thursdays in the paddock.
The action from Aston Martin follows harsh comments from Schumacher on driver Lance Stroll after the British Grand Prix. “It’s the worst piece of s**t I’ve ever driven in my life, to be honest,” the Canadian told race engineer Gary Gannon. “But it’s okay. Seventh.”
These comments were slammed by Sky Germany pundit Schumacher. “I have to say, this statement is very disappointing, and quite honestly, it’s a question of manners,” he said on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast.
“You have to imagine the external impact. The mechanics who work there day in, day out so that the two can race – and then the boss’s son comes along and says: ‘Wonderful, and with such a crappy car.’ I have to say, that’s completely unacceptable, that’s an absolute no-go.
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“I would hope that at the next race, he goes and apologises. It’s just a shame, unspeakable, and it indicates a poor upbringing. I don’t know what movie he thinks he is in, but such statements diminish his own results.
“These are important points, after all. One mustn’t forget: These are also important bonuses for the mechanics and the like. And when someone then ruins it like that – quite honestly, you have to say: Grade F, dear Lance – and apologise to the team.”