Since last year there has been tension between Haas team boss Günther Steiner and ex-Formula 1 star Ralf Schumacher. Especially after his nephew Mick Schumacher was eliminated as a regular driver at Haas, the six-time Grand Prix winner shot Steiner several times. In an exclusive conversation with RTL/ntv and sport.de, he again commented on the Zoff.
Günther Steiner once again made it clear to RTL reporter Felix Görner that he had no great interest in meeting Ralf Schumacher for a one-on-one conversation in the future in order to discuss the issues of the past year again.
“I don’t have a problem, I have to do my job. I think the problem lies with someone else, not with me. That’s why I’m not worried about it and don’t have to go there either,” said the South Tyrolean, who instead of Mick Schumacher went into the 2023 season with Nico Hülkenberg as the new regular driver.
Ralf Schumacher had publicly complained several times about Steiner’s dealings with his nephew and admitted that he was also concerned with protecting a family member. Steiner: “In the end we are all professionals. Private things shouldn’t come into it.”
The Haas team boss himself does not currently feel any desire to sit down with Ralf Schumacher for a clarifying conversation: “The relationship no longer exists and I don’t need a new one either. I choose my friends myself and who I talk to want. I’ve always been like that and will always be like that.”
Steiner on dealing with Mick Schumacher
Since the separation of Mick Schumacher as a regular driver after two years together, the personal relationship between the 58-year-old and the son of record world champion Michael Schumacher has also cooled off significantly, as Steiner himself reported.
“He’s now at the other end of the pit lane, so we rarely see each other,” said Steiner with a smile on his face about the Mercedes team’s current test driver.
For himself, the Mick Schumacher cause has long been “water under the bridge” (literally for the past).
Meanwhile, the Haas team boss does not believe that there is still a problem between him and Mick Schumacher or that a new one could arise: “If he wants to talk to me: Ok. If he doesn’t want to talk to me, it’s also ok. I have to respect and I’m ok with that.”
