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via Reuters

via Reuters

Transitioning from his role as team boss of Haas to a TV analyst for the German network RTL couldn’t keep Guenther Steiner from stirring the waters of Formula 1. Steiner recently sparked controversy with remarks about Mick Schumacher, drawing a prominent backlash from Mick’s uncle, Ralf Schumacher.

Steiner’s suggestion that Alpine should choose “the best driver” amid rumors of Mick Schumacher joining the team ignited debates. Many interpreted Steiner’s remarks as questioning Mick’s qualifications for an F1 return. Ralf Schumacher, visibly displeased, took to social media to express his disagreement with Steiner’s opinion. This feud spilled over into their professional relationship at RTL, where they were slated to work together. However, their strained rapport has prevented them from appearing together on TV, suggesting broader professional implications.

via Reuters

During a recent appearance on the podcast show, The Red Flags Podcast on Spotify, Guenther Steiner expressed his honest opinions most candidly — very typically Guenther! As always, Steiner did not hold back, offering a strong rebuttal to Ralf Schumacher’s accusations.

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Guenther Steiner’s honest prayers for Mick Schumacher

As paraphrased by the podcaster of The Red Flags Podcast, Ralf Schumacher stated, “Guenther is just salty, that Haas is doing better without Guenther.” If Mick got a chance at Alpine and performed well, it would appear that Steiner was responsible for all of Mick’s failings, Ralf continued. To this Guenther, laughed and said sarcastically that he could not breathe anymore!

And as expected from an F1 pundit who was once Haas‘ boss began with the stats. “First of all, last year at this stage, Haas had more points than they have now. So we need to put the numbers right. The numbers always talk,” he remarked. Of course, he keeps track of everything going on in the sport, while others focus on media and controversies.

via Reuters

Steiner then went to confess his honest prayers for Mick, as he said: “I wish Mick to be in Alpine next year, I will be happy, more than happy.” He also clarified his stance on his “choose the best drivers” controversy, saying that he was asked what he would be doing, and he said he would get the best guy at present, “I didn’t say anything bad or good about anybody.” Steiner is comfortable speaking his mind and will continue to do so, even if his statements diverge from the opinions of others within or outside the sport.

Overall, it is Mick Schumacher whose career is under the light, for whatever reasons, be it optimistic or bleak. Over the next few weeks or months, a lot can happen especially now, with Esteban Ocon’s confirmed exit from Alpine in 2025.

The motorsport community will closely watch the potential comeback of Mick Schumacher. It could either support Ralf’s defensive stance or disprove Steiner’s doubts. Both outcomes will probably send shockwaves throughout the F1 community, where every move and comment carries significant consequences.

“It’s much more fun with you than …”: Steiner’s remarks on Ralf Schumacher

Notably, Guenther Steiner made his controversial statement on The Red Flags Podcast. Steiner has always been outspoken about his opinions on drivers and teams. Yet, when he was Haas’ team boss, he didn’t hesitate to criticize his team and drivers.

Ralf Schumacher’s grievance and reluctance to work with Guenther at RTL failed to invoke any response from Steiner. “That’s just fine with me. That’s life. I’m alright and I can sit with you guys. I enjoy a lot more. Here, it’s much more fun with you than with him [Ralf Schumacher],” he said in the podcast.

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This conflict exemplifies the intense pressures and egos frequently in the play in the world of motorsport. Steiner’s remarks come when Alpine prepares for not just a vacancy but also inter-team clashes and a need for balance and performance.

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Such public disputes carry significant implications in F1. Team dynamics and professional relationships can profoundly influence not just a team’s atmosphere but also its performance and public point of view. The real question is, will Mick Schumacher have his comeback in 2025?