![\"Claims](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/XPB_1297209_HiRes.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRalf Schumacher and Sky Sports Germany had limited access to Aston Martin in Hungary. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRalf Schumacher and Sky Sports Germany had limited access to Aston Martin in Hungary. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
The apparent ban came to light during the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Sky reporter Peter Hardenacke and ex-Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher attempted to speak to team personnel but were turned away.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know they\u2019re not giving us any more interviews because they don\u2019t like us that much at the moment,\u201d Schumacher admitted.<\/p>\n
According to German publication Bild, the team had already rejected a request for access earlier in the weekend, having contacted Aston Martin chief trackside officer Mike Krack.<\/p>\n
The broadcaster\u2019s perceived bias and lack of engagement with regular media events are said to have contributed to the team\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n
Sky Germany\u2019s Hardenacke acknowledged the situation, stating: \u201cWe were a bit too critical of the people at Aston Martin.\u201d<\/p>\n
The move follows pointed on-air remarks from Schumacher after the British Grand Prix, when he called for Lance Stroll to apologise to his team for labelling his car \u201cthe worst piece of shit I\u2019ve ever driven\u201d over team radio.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are often criticised for being too harsh on him, and maybe we are sometimes,\u201d Schumacher said in a Sky Deutschland Backstage Pitlane podcast after the British Grand Prix.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut you could see: In these conditions [at Silverstone], you have to be able to drive a car \u2013 and he can, fundamentally. How good, how bad? That\u2019s a bit difficult to say.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have to say, this statement is very disappointing, and quite honestly, it\u2019s a question of manners,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to imagine the external impact. The mechanics who work there day in, day out so that the two can race \u2013 and then the boss\u2019s son comes along and says: \u2018Wonderful, and with such a crappy car.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cI have to say, that\u2019s completely unacceptable, that\u2019s an absolute no-go. I would hope that at the next race he goes and apologises.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just a shame, unspeakable, and it indicates a poor upbringing. I don\u2019t know what movie he thinks he is in, but such statements diminish his own results.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are important points, after all. One mustn\u2019t forget: These are also important bonuses for the mechanics and the like.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd when someone then ruins it like that \u2013 quite honestly, you have to say: Grade F, dear Lance \u2013 and apologise to the team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bild reported the ban extends only to one-on-one interviews, with the broadcaster still permitted to attend official press conferences and open media sessions.<\/p>\n
The move comes just as Aston Martin enjoys an upturn in performance, having scored points in five of the past six races.<\/p>\n
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll finished fifth and seventh in Hungary and now sit 11th and 12th in the drivers\u2019 standings, respectively, with 26 points each. The result also lifted Aston Martin to sixth in the constructors\u2019 championship.<\/p>\n