Ralf Schumacher delivered a scathing rant on Mercedes and Red Bull, and slammed them for their blame games.
The two teams have been racing very hard and very fast on the track, but off it, their squabbles have taken over the spotlight. Not a race weekend has passed without some controversial remark directed at the opposite camp, and the peak of it comes when one team claims foul play done by the other.
The latest episode of this revolved around Red Bull claiming Mercedes’ rear wing was illegal. However, they still haven’t officially protested it, as a means to try and heap the pressure on Mercedes. Many criticised the teams for playing mind games, and Michael Schumacher’s relative
Ralf delivered a scathing rant on Mercedes and Red Bull and criticised the two teams for playing too many political games.
Speaking to Speedweek.com, the former driver said, “I hope some of the topics of the last few weeks will move a little to the side. I hope the team bosses hold back a little more, and of course I also wish the FIA don’t have to decide the World Champion in the end.
“For example, I found all these discussions about the wings so idle – these mutual accusations that one team is doing that with the front wing, the other team is doing that with the rear wing. I say either you have facts and you lodge a protest or you should all shut up.
“I think such a great fight should stay clean. Everything else is a shame about this great World Championship. And I’m expressly addressing both sides here.”
They have a point
However, the 46-year-old admitted that perhaps the blame games and accusations were happening because of the pressure that is on the teams at the moment.
“At the same time, of course, I also see it this way,” he said.
“The tension also arises from the technology and from dealing with each other, it was sometimes very tough, but that also accounts for part of the fascination because sport thrives on emotions.”
Read more: Ralf Schumacher gives harsh verdict on Mercedes – “They were a bit powerless at times”