Michael Schumacher's brother refusing to work with former F1 boss as tensions boil over
Ralf Schumacher doesn't want to work with Guenther Steiner
GETTY
Michael Schumacher's brother Ralf has announced he will no longer appear on camera alongside Guenther Steiner for German broadcaster RTL.
Steiner was dismissed by Haas at the end of last season after nine years working with the American-based team.
He was at the helm when Mick Schumacher broke into F1 in 2021 having impressed in the junior categories.
Mick won the F2 Championship in 2020 in a year that featured current F1 drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Guanyu Zhou.
Ralf Schumacher doesn't want to work with Guenther Steiner
GETTY
However, he joined Haas at a time where they struggled to build a competitive car in F1 and the team ended up finishing bottom of the standings in his debut season with no points.
His fortunes improved in 2022 as he picked up 12 points, but new team-mate Kevin Magnussen was able to get more out of the fledgling car.
That ultimately led to Mick losing his seat at Haas for the 2023 season and he's been battling ever since to return to F1.
Since also leaving Haas, Steiner has joined RTL as a pundit for the 2024 season with the German broadcaster also working with Mick's uncle Ralf.
But the two have a frosty relationship with Ralf left unimpressed about Steiner's recent comments urging Alpine against offering Mick a seat in 2025.
"RTL knows my opinion, and so does Mr Steiner, the German told Sport1.
"There will be no more joint appearances in front of the camera.
"In Bahrain I subordinated myself to the common cause, but now that is no longer possible. I am consistent in this regard."
Guenther Steiner left Haas at the end of last season
PA
He added: "I can only imagine that he is a little afraid that if Mick returns to Formula 1 and suddenly drives under a team boss who believes in him and puts in a great performance, he (Steiner) will be seen in a bad light.
"I'm slowly getting the feeling that that's what he's doing."
Steiner was replaced by Ayao Komatsu and Ralf took a shot at his RTL colleague over Haas' improved form this year.
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Mick Schumacher was axed by Guenther Steiner in 2022
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Ralf added: "Perhaps Mr Steiner should think about what has changed to make the team better now."
Haas are currently seventh in the Constructors' Championship ahead of Williams, Alpine and Sauber.
Komatsu will be hoping for his team to pick up valuable points this weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix.