THIS is the X-rated moment that sparked a stunning Aston Martin BOYCOTT of Sky Sports Germany.
Last weekend it was revealed by Ralf Schumacher that the Silverstone-based Formula One team was refusing to do interviews with the broadcaster.
AlamyRalf Schumacher revealed an Aston Martin F1 boycott against Sky Sports Germany following unbalanced media coverage[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialIt came following Schumacher’s demand for Lance Stroll to apologise after swearing about his car at the British Grand Prix[/caption]
This had come after the former F1 star had demanded Lance Stroll apologise to his engineers after he blasted the car as the “worst piece of s*** I’ve ever driven in my life” following the British Grand Prix.
Stroll, 26, had enjoyed a strong run to P7 in the chaotic race despite qualifying down in P18 the day before.
Schumacher, 50, had said: “I have to say, this statement is very disappointing, and quite honestly, it’s a question of manners. You have to imagine the public perception of it.
“The mechanics who work day in, day out so that the two of them can race – and then the boss’s son comes along and says: ‘Wonderful, and with such a s*** car’.
“I have to say, that’s not on, that’s an absolute no-go. It’s unspeakable and doesn’t indicate a good upbringing.
“I really don’t know what film he’s living in, but it’s a shame to ruin his own result like that. Dear Lance, apologise to the team.”
The German’s comments were the straw which broke the camel’s back regarding Aston’s feelings about their coverage being unbalanced before banning interviews with them.
While this move is not a blanket ban, one-on-one style interviews between team members and the organisation have been ruled out over the feeling of biased coverage.
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Schumacher had revealed the ban before the race at the Hungarian Grand Prix, adding: “I know they’re not giving us any more interviews because they don’t like us that much at the moment.”
His colleague Peter Hardenacke added: “We were a bit too critical of the people at Aston Martin.”
Sky are still free to speak to the team’s drivers in the TV pen on Saturdays and Sundays and senior leadership on Friday, but had seldom shown much interest in doing so.
SunSport understands Sky Germany were denied several exclusive interview chances at the Hungarian Grand Prix, and access will continue to be limited until the team see an improvement in coverage.
However, positive talks have taken place and it is hoped a resolution will soon be reached between the team and broadcaster, who are said to have admitted some of their comments and coverage were too harsh.
SunSport have contacted Sky Germany for further comment.
Following the Hungarian Grand Prix, the F1 season is now entering its summer shutdown.
The next races in the calendar are now not scheduled until the end of August in Max Verstappen‘s home race of the Dutch Grand Prix.
McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris lead the drivers championship with just nine points separating them, with current top dog Piastri trailed by Verstappen by a staggering 97 points.
Aston Martin pair Fernando Alonso and Stroll sit P11 and P12 in the standings with 26 points apiece, propping the team up to sixth in the constructor’s.
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