Tensions are rising off the track in Formula One, and this time, it’s between a racing team and a broadcaster.
Aston Martin, known for its resurgence in recent seasons, has reportedly decided to cut ties—at least temporarily—with Sky Germany after feeling unfairly targeted by their coverage.
This move comes amid growing media interest in the team, especially as drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso have shown improved performance in recent weeks.
Cold Shoulders at the Hungarian Grand Prix
The situation reached a boiling point during the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Sky Germany reporters Ralf Schumacher and Peter Hardenacke attempted to conduct routine interviews in the paddock.
But when they approached the Aston Martin garage, they were met with silence.
Not one team representative was willing to speak.
Schumacher, brother of F1 legend Michael Schumacher and a former driver himself, didn’t seem surprised.
With a wry smile, he remarked, “I know they’re not giving us any more interviews because they don’t like us that much at the moment.”
The Spark That Lit the Fuse: A Rant and a Critique
The frostiness appears to trace back to a moment during the British Grand Prix, where Lance Stroll let his emotions fly over the radio.
After expressing frustration with his car in rather colourful language—“This is the worst piece of s*** I’ve ever driven”—he came under fire from Ralf Schumacher, who publicly said Stroll should apologise to his engineers.
While that remark may have stirred the pot, Aston Martin’s frustration reportedly runs deeper.
More Than Just One Comment
According to German outlet BILD, Aston Martin believes Sky Germany hasn’t shown consistent interest in their team.
Aside from races, they feel the network barely covers them during other events like press conferences.
With the team now enjoying better results and a growing profile, Aston Martin seemingly saw the Hungarian GP as a moment to send a message—refusing to engage with a media outlet they believe only shows up when there’s drama.
Sky’s Peter Hardenacke even admitted, in hindsight, that their team might have been “a bit too critical” of Aston Martin.
Media Bans Are Nothing New in Formula One
While this kind of media friction might sound dramatic, it’s not new in F1 circles.
Back in 2022, Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Max Verstappen snubbed Sky Sports—UK, Germany, and Italy versions alike—during the Mexican Grand Prix, citing what they called a “series of derogatory comments.”
At the time, Horner said the decision wasn’t meant to punish but rather to send a clear message.
“There needs to be balance in commentary,” he said. “Some of the commentary’s excellent, but some of it becomes overly sensational.
We just wanted to take a break this weekend and stand together as a team.”
Sky Still in the Paddock… For Now
Despite the boycott, Sky Germany hasn’t been fully kicked out.
They still retain access to official race events and press areas—but interviews with Aston Martin? Off the table, at least for now.
Whether this silent treatment continues after the summer break remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: the battle between racing teams and broadcasters is becoming just as competitive as the action on the track.