Aston Martin shuts door on Sky Germany amid Stroll criticism

Aston Martin has reportedly barred Sky Germany’s Formula 1 pundits from one-on-one interviews with team personnel, a move seen as a direct response to the broadcaster’s recent critical remarks about the team and its driver, Lance Stroll.

The situation came to a head during last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, when Sky Germany reporter Peter Hardenacke and consultant Ralf Schumacher were denied direct access to the Silverstone-based outfit.

The team had earlier rejected a formal request for interview time, according to German publication Bild, after contacting Aston Martin’s chief trackside engineer Mike Krack.

“I know they’re not giving us any more interviews because they don’t like us that much at the moment,” Schumacher confirmed during the race weekend.

Criticism over Stroll Comments Sparked Fallout

The move appears to be a response to pointed remarks made by Schumacher on Sky’s Backstage Pitlane podcast following the British Grand Prix.

In that episode, the former F1 driver took aim at Lance Stroll’s heated team radio outburst, in which the Canadian labelled his Aston Martin “the worst piece of shit I’ve ever driven”, despite Stroll scoring a top-ten finish for the first time last March’s Chinese Grand Prix.

Schumacher didn’t hold back his criticism of the Aston Martin driver, calling his disparaging remarks on his equipment “completely unacceptable” as they showed little respect for his hard-working crews.

“We are often criticised for being too harsh on him, and maybe we are sometimes,” Schumacher acknowledged.

“I have to say, this statement is very disappointing, and quite honestly, it’s a question of manners.

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“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. 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.”

Sky Admits to ‘Critical Tone’

Sky Germany’s Hardenacke acknowledged the tension, suggesting the team’s reaction may be understandable given the tone of recent broadcasts.

“We were a bit too critical of the people at Aston Martin,” he admitted.

While the freeze reportedly applies only to exclusive interview access, Sky Germany still retains its ability to attend official press conferences and open media sessions.

However, the development marks a rare instance of a Formula 1 team pulling back media access over perceived editorial bias – raising fresh questions over how far broadcasters can go in their criticism without damaging working relationships in the paddock.

As for Schumacher, it remains to be seen whether his outspoken stance will force a reconciliation or deepen the divide between one of Germany’s most prominent F1 voices and one of the grid’s most high profile teams.

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