Feud Forces RTL to Split F1 Analyst Duo

Following escalating tensions, RTL will no longer feature Ralf Schumacher and Günther Steiner together, signaling an end to their joint TV appearances.

Is this a foregone conclusion? The German broadcaster RTL, which employs the two former F1 personalities, Ralf Schumacher and Günther Steiner, will henceforth forego their joint presence on screen.

The former Haas F1 team boss has not been directly involved in Formula 1 since this year. However, this has not stopped the outspoken Italian from regularly voicing his opinions.

Today, he serves as an analyst for RTL, but Steiner persistently criticizes Mick Schumacher, Ralf’s nephew and a long-standing consultant for the channel, in the media.

In a recent instance, Steiner advised Alpine F1 against signing Mick Schumacher, arguing that there were better drivers available. This comment was not well received by the Schumacher family, who have harbored little fondness for Steiner since 2021 and his handling of Mick at Haas F1 over two years.

Ralf Schumacher responded to Steiner’s latest remarks in an Instagram post.

“I cannot fathom his senseless outbursts. It seems Steiner wants to hinder Mick’s return. I can only speculate that he fears that if Mick returns to Formula 1 and suddenly drives under a team boss who believes in him and performs excellently, Steiner will be seen in a bad light. I am slowly getting the impression that this is his agenda.”

The ongoing feud between Schumacher and Steiner has had repercussions, and RTL has had to make a decision: the two consultants will no longer appear together on television.

“RTL is aware of my stance, as is Steiner. There will be no more joint appearances on camera,” Ralf continued.

“In Bahrain, I put the common cause first, but now that is no longer feasible. I am consistent in this regard.”

Ralf Schumacher also believes that Steiner should be embarrassed by Haas’s improved performance this year, with Steiner’s successor, Ayao Komatsu, faring much better.

“Quite well, in fact, as we’ve seen this year. Perhaps Steiner should reflect on what has changed to improve the team so significantly over a single winter.”