Original article in german

The relationship between Steiner, who was still at the helm of Haas at the time, and Sky pundit Ralf Schumacher had broken down when Steiner sharply criticized his then driver Mick Schumacher, Ralf’s nephew, in the 2022 season. The “climax” of the escalation was a “scandalous interview” between Steiner and Sky reporter Peter Hardenacke in Azerbaijan in 2022.

As a result, Steiner did not give a single interview to Sky Deutschland until the end of his term of office - until a reconciliation with Ralf Schumacher took place on Thursday. On Friday, Steiner, Schumacher and Hardenacke were back in front of the camera together for the first time after the third free practice session in Bahrain.

“That was a nice conversation, Ralf, Günther, really. It was fun,” said Hardenacke.

Ralf Schumacher has not fundamentally changed his opinion of Steiner’s behavior during his time as Mick’s team boss. Although there was agreement in the reconciliation meeting, it was ultimately “a shame” how things turned out, because “by the time Mick really found the pace, it was almost a bit late. Unfortunately, that was the case.”

Steiner, meanwhile, has announced that he will also seek a conciliatory discussion with Mick Schumacher at the next opportunity - something he has always refused to do: “Absolutely,” he says. “I also spoke to Ralf yesterday. I have no problem talking to people and saying that not everything was right.”

But: “People also need to understand the situation I was in. These are things that you can explain better when you are no longer involved, when you can talk openly. But I never had a problem with Mick personally. It was the circumstances, where we were, the performance and what happened. But I have no fear of contact.”