“I choose my friends myself,” Guenther Steiner reveals his relationship with Uncle Ralf after ousting Mick Schumacher from Haas

Guenther Steiner replaced Mick Schumacher with Nico Hulkenberg for the 2023 F1 season.


“I choose my friends myself,” Guenther Steiner reveals his relationship with Uncle Ralf after ousting Mick Schumacher from Haas

Mick Schumacher, Guenther Steiner, Ralf Schumacher. Images via The Mirror, Sporting News and Planet F1.

There were quarrels between Haas team boss Guenther Steiner and Ralf Schumacher over the past two F1 seasons. It is no doubt that it affected their relationship. Mick Schumacher had a tough time racing for Haas under Steiner; this fuelled the war between Steiner and Mick’s uncle Ralf Schumacher, Mick’s uncle. After two seasons together, Haas decided to terminate Mick Schumacher’s contract. They replaced him with a former F1 driver, Nico Hulkenberg. 

Guenther Steiner often expressed his unhappiness with Mick’s performance and expensive crashes. He criticized Mick on several occasions. Ralf Schumacher, Micheal Schumacher’s brother, defended his nephew. However, it was not always related to racing. He mocked Steiner recently by recommending he use his cosmetic cream. Ralf also believes that Steiner would not have treated Mick poorly if his father, F1 legend Micheal Schumacher, was by his side.

YouTube video

FS Video

Though Mick Schumacher left Haas, the verbal clashes continued between Ralf and Steiner. According to the Haas team boss, their relationship does not exist anymore. Steiner opened up to RTL/n-tv and Sport.de about the situation, “The relationship no longer exists and I don’t need a new one either. I choose my friends myself and whom I want to talk to. That’s how I’ve always been and that’s how it will stay.”

Related: Ferrari F1 prodigy Callum Ilott responds to death threats following IndyCar Long Beach incident

Guenther Steiner is not worried about his relationship with Ralf Schumacher

Q 1681810399
Guenther Steiner. Image via Express.

Steiner added, “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 I don’t have to go there.” Ralf Schumacher often accused Steiner of not motivating Mick. He stated previously that he expected a grown man to treat a young man differently. 

Mick Schumacher signed a deal as a reserve driver for Mercedes AMG Petronas. Therefore, he is still present in the Formula 1 paddock. It is quite sentimental as it is the last team his father, Micheal Schumacher, raced for in the sport. Guenther Steiner also confirmed that he does not interact with Mick as he is on the other side of the pit lane. 

Steiner stated that he and Mick see each other rarely. He is okay if the 24-year-old wants to talk to him, and he is also okay if he does not want to talk to him. Steiner revealed he has to respect Mick’s decision. The duo have a strained relationship and are unlikely to make up. Mick Schumacher recently opened up about his time at Mercedes so far. And it is safe to say the young man has been settling in great with his new team.

In case you missed it: