31/2025 - Der Iceman und die Emotion

Backstage Boxing Gasse, the Formula 1 podcast by Sky. With Peter Hadenacke and Ralf Schumacher. Let's go! Backstage Boxing Gasse on a new one. We have a guest, a famous face, with us in the middle. Ralf, welcome. You look good in your direction. You look good in France. And Timo, Timo Glock. Timo, nice that you're with us. First question for you. Ralf, how is the situation with you? Very good. I'm in South Africa, not France. But it doesn't matter. Yes, there are only 9000 km difference. And otherwise, everything is fine. You also look a bit sick, Peter. Yes, I got caught. At the weekend, when I was free, it went completely backwards. Now it's a bit backwards. But I was actually told to be a guide for my wife. I took all the registers here. It was best changed. Are you from Singapore? I had a real men's snuff. I waved at the ground in the morning because it was so bad. I don't know exactly. Did I get caught here? Maybe one day, when the weather was nice, I was a bit too windy. Timo, how are you? Good, very good. I'm looking forward to Austin. You already packed a suitcase. Yes, I just packed a suitcase. I also packed a suitcase for my wife. Can you do it yourself? Yes, of course. Really? Yes, of course. Why do you want that? How are you? I don't change anything. Something like that? Yes, the problem is that you don't have patience. You really have to do every step on your own. You always have the feeling that you can do it faster and faster. And then in the end, it's a disaster. That's why it's not an option for me. Did you want to know how it is for me? Yes, yes. I don't need to say it. It's better if it's a bed. If it's a bed we should have a closet for me. I think you could say that. Timo, what is the main topic for you now? Before the big price of the USA, if we look at Formula 1 first, what do you think about the current situation? It was very exciting, what happened between Oscar Piazri and Lando Norris in Singapore. And how the whole topic goes on. And if Max Verstappen can start the big opening hunt and the two of them will be a bit nervous. What is really interesting, I thought about it today, all our three experts at Sky, Timo, Ralf and Nico, told us that Lando Norris in Sanford could be a bit more nervous. And now he can go on without a burden. The big wins are out, but he gets back to Oscar Piazri and Piazri on the other side. Ralf, we already talked about it. It also starts to react a bit more emotionally. After the collision that happened in Singapore, I found him unconsciously thin today. So you already feel a bit of something, that it becomes a very hot phase and Oscar Piazri melts away a bit from the Iceman. Ralf, you too? Okay, I think it's Timo. Yes, I think we're all coming together. Once the pressure is gone, I don't know why, but the manager is obviously, in this case Mark Webber, not so happy, with one or the other team decisions and maybe with an alternative view, that increases the pressure. And logically, too soon from the goal, no one will be allowed to take bread from the bread. Even then, from the classic Iceman, the emotion always comes through, a small mistake. And you can see, he comments much more than before, and kind of blitzes more on Lendo up. And I think that's also a new situation for you. That's not common. From the Iceman to the melting snowman, Timo. Well, I think the big topic is, of course, in my opinion, what was the decision of the team in a monster later on. I think it would hurt him a bit, but the theme is clear. Now it's his turn. And Lendo nor is there nothing to lose. That's what you saw, or you see, in the way, who was in the first round against Kapi Astri, and now his next costume will definitely be on the test site. Yes, it will be exciting to see. It's not easy to manage the whole thing. Both from Zeck Brown, but also from Andreas Zeller, with a Mark Webber team, they are also very good. Do you think he's also trying in the background to spin threads and to work on it a little bit, to build up pressure, also in the sense of his protection from Kapi Astri? Now it's gone, sorry, because I just called Berzena. Now I heard you again. Berzena, say hello to him later, when you clean him up. No, my question was, do you think that Mark Webber, which you also know very well, will use his position to build up pressure, also on the team leadership, for his protection for Kapi Astri? Yes, of course. He won't let go of anything, and will of course push the topics in the background. And again, for me, it's a big topic, what happened in Monster is that a Kapi Astri had to make space again, even if there was a mistake from the team. He will put everything on it, so that in the background he doesn't try to do anything to make Kapi Astri go home. Ralf, do you think that's a advantage or disadvantage? If you look at the two of them, Lindo Norris, who has a manager, who doesn't come directly from the industry, doesn't drive himself, and on the other hand Piastri, who has someone like Webber, who has experienced and felt it himself, with Sebastian Fettlers, what do you think is the advantage or disadvantage? Well, it's hard to say now, where it's becoming more difficult, I don't think it's necessarily a advantage, because of course Webber, who has experienced the Armour himself, who was recently removed from the Tourist Association, and also himself, because Red Bull, back then with Sebastian, who has experienced something similar, also a topic of politics, and accordingly, I think, you can see that it's the same again, and whether it's always so helpful for the Oscar. In this case, I'm not 100% sure. So, we will continue to observe, it definitely goes into the very exciting phase, 174 points are still to be given, the research of Piastri, it goes a little away, towards Lindo Norris, maybe he could also play a role. Timo, how do you estimate that? Well, he will translate everything, what he showed in the last race, Red Bull is on the way again, to give him a car, where he can call his 100% off, and he won't let go of anything, and he will of course, intervene in this World Cup, he will translate everything, try everything, and I believe that he, I think, you can never write a Max Verstappen, and he will of course, with a big laugh, run through the warehouse, if you continue to see that, you can clearly drive yourself into the car. The only chance, which would actually still be, if they really take themselves out of the race, because otherwise, I think, the advance is too big, he doesn't just have one advantage, but just two, so you should really have a real punch, happen in half. I don't think so, impossible. Yes, but it's impossible, and B, we still have the topic, well, Lindo already had a technical defect, but it's slowly coming to the end of the season, so it can hit everyone, by the way, Max, what you have to say about it, the worst line, I think, in Singapore, that has already worked out, especially for Red Bull, for Max, and what he has done again. That was incredible, and accordingly, I think, in Texas, we really have a good chance. So, with Max, it's okay, the car seems to be a bit as it should be, as he needs it, but with McLaren, it doesn't run so smoothly. So, they have internal querels, now the topic, what Zach Brown just said, with Palu, so it brings everything, is at the moment, and that doesn't help either. Yes, there is a real fight, Palu, who had a sense of responsibility, who, at the time, had already had the claim, obviously, from McLaren, who then decided differently, for Oscar Peerstree, also because Andreas Seilel had put it on, because he knows it well, so of course, that will also be followed with tension. We will certainly throw a look at it again, into the USA, and one topic still in the way, Formula 1, also Timo, also a few weeks. I don't think you have heard about the Royal Sport, the Formula Series, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, how is your reading, what the topic applies to the seven-maled world champion? Yes, so, basically, it's just a drama, what's going on with Ferrari, when you see, how much financial means you have brought up, has not tried anything, has left, has brought a Lewis Hamilton on board, who, somehow, only runs with a lowered head, and does not reach a green two. At the beginning of the year, I said to myself, Lewis Hamilton, in the middle of the year, at the height of Schale-Claires, but he just feels incredibly difficult. You had a bit of a feeling, the last few races, that he takes the right steps, but basically, the performance is not there, where you want to have it, and where you want to be. And that's what you see in a Lewis Hamilton, of course, and I'm curious, how long you'll let it go, in the end. Yes, or otherwise, just like that. So, that's my feeling, a bit like that, that the patience is also getting bigger. You don't have a feeling anymore, so really, Ralph, what happened in the background, John Elkin, who also has a sitting, has a job, whether it was a crisis seat, you don't know, obviously, you want to work with Fred Vaseuer, as a team ship, but you already have the feeling, that it's also between the drivers, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, who have a lot of experience, and who have a lot of experience, He fought at a level of damage without testing the car, which is not so good for him, that he is very acceptable. He still makes small mistakes, especially he makes many mistakes. That he collects punishment with his content and his experience. Zanford and then the topic where no punishment was received, then under red, there was still luck and misfortune. But these are all things that simply do not have to be. And yes, he is now simply at Ferrari and for him that is just new. It is the first time where he does not work in the most skilled workshops, where no one can help him, but where he is judged as a driver as he is and there is just the driver behind the horse and behind the goddess. And that is of course also difficult for both. But Charlie Kler seems to be a little frustrated, at least what you hear, he looks at the right and at the left. Of course, it is also clear if the top team does not work. I had a little bit of that with Toyota. If then CEOs and founders, as always the opinion is, they could now somehow take over themselves and because they know everything, then it will be problematic because the Formula 1, the motorcycle sport is different. For the CEOs and the founders of this world, it is very important to create the frame conditions that a Formula 1 team needs. Most of the time it is money and to get the right people. And they have to work there and that is why Elkan always does what he is known for. But it is not good for the team. Timonik? Yes, so I was then a successor to Toyota. I experienced it on my own. If the team leader knows how my car works or if I am the team leader, then it will be difficult. So we will continue to watch that. So, travel to the USA. Timon, of course, also researched. There is also a part of your sports past there. In the USA, namely, in 2005, you drove for the Rocket Sports Racing in the Champs K series. Tell me a little bit. I think that was the predecessor series of the current Indica series, right? Yes, so you have to remember that back then there was a fight in the Indi Racing League. Among the ones who had the ownership over this series. And then two series were formed, once the Indi Racing League and then there was the Champs K series. I drove the Champs K series. Now, so to speak, the whole thing has united again and are the Indicas. And I drove there in 2005. Very, very much learned. Hard, hard, hard racing, many, many street races, oval, we drove two races in oval. Which is completely different driving itself. And that was a lot of fun. But there was also a hard time over there, especially in the first half of the year. In the first half of the year, the respect for the old skin, like Paul Tracy, Jimmy Wesser and Ko, was already very learned. Rookie of the Year, that's what you became back then. Ralf, that would have been nothing for you, right? No, I'm not that special yet. I'm talented as always by my Vita-least. What banking is that? No, for me it's no choice. Tell me, Timo, what is the main difference when you drive in an oval with this bank? What makes it so different? It has nothing to do with what we know from the racetrack sport. Of course, the topic is also very, very demanding to move the car to the limit. But the problem is, if you go a minimal over the limit, and so Ralf experienced it in painful ways at the time, due to tire damage, if it was a tire damage at the time, I think. And then the wall is very, very close. And for me it was also a serious accident when testing the Milwaukee, which is an oval in one mile. And I was hit in the back with a stupid angle and broke the key. And also the whirlwinds were strong. But the topic of getting there, to work on a feeling like that, was incredibly difficult. Because as soon as the air temperature changes, there is a very, very high effect on the vehicle balance. And to feel that, where do I have to go with the setup, that is, of course, for someone who is completely new, a huge challenge. You need an experienced team, an experienced engineer, who guides you a little bit and explains what you have to pay attention to. And that was a big challenge. And also driving safely. So you were standing there in the centimeter distance next to each other, partly to the third corner. We were in Las Vegas on a super speedway, there were three cars next to each other on the corner. That was far beyond 3,000 km/h. Then you have to get a feel for it first. And also a certain respect that you have for the topic. You have to sort it out somehow, because otherwise you won't find these last few tenths and thousands more. And that's already difficult. Of course I ask you for that, because we also discussed it here last time. Mick Schumacher, who has now driven a test this week, then in the Indicator range, would that be the reason for your experience, the experience you made, what you would recommend to him? There are also many in the Formula 1, also current drivers who say, "Oh, not with me. First of all, Formula 1 from Non+Ultra. And second of all, the Indica series is much too dangerous." Yes, I think there is only black and white. So there are those who say, "It's a great experience, I'll keep you as a racing driver." I can only say that it was positive for me back then. But it is of course a step in a direction where you have to say, "It will be more difficult to get back to the Formula 1." There were not really many that made it out of the Indica back then. But the theme is, if there is no other way, then you can take the step and build a certain future in America. Ralf, what I asked myself again, I mean, of course, this is Mick Schumacher a few years out of the Formula 1, but also with what he has right now, to drive the long-distance model of the Alpine team with all the theater, which is also there right now in the Formula 1. Wouldn't that actually be the case if that's the big dream and stays the shortest way, maybe then to get another step into the Formula 1? So over Alpine. So even then, if he would drive into the Indica, he would close this door. And in the long-distance range, he actually raised it well. So that's a thought that I've been thinking about these days. Well, it's fair to say that the longer a driver is out of the Formula 1, the more difficult it is to get back. I think it was a rare example of Nico Hülkenberg, but also because he came in as a substitute again and again, somehow he managed to get another chance because of the power he brought. Today, the boys are drinking. We have two new drivers again. First of all, they are already in contract until the next year. Of course, the vibrators, besides his, how should I say, special A/W team, he didn't make a mistake at all. So it's not even a topic for Pines, because I also find it very special, but that's what it is about. That's why I can understand that. Okay, Formula 1 is probably more difficult for me. I try to do something else. Personally, of course, my opinion about the Indica is that you know Ovale, which I think is the LMDA project worldwide. And even if you look at how many manufacturers there are, if you look at Le Mans and what happens in America, there is an incredible potential, an incredible manufacturer interest, I have to say that. And that's why I think it's a shame, because now I find it super delivered in the case of a team colleague, there were great team players and so on, that you give up for Indica. So I don't agree with that now, but it would have made me think about his management. Timo, I also have a question for you. From your point of view, of course, because Ralph Gratton is talking about Flavio Briatore, he has decided for Franco Colapinto, he really doesn't get a leg on the floor with Alpine. Paul Aaron is now a candidate who is still coming next year. So I say to someone like Mick, who had his difficulties to give up in the days of Formel 1, but we have all seen that before. In the first year, no web-based car was given to the team. In the second year, the steps were taken well in the direction of the Rodinies. Kevin Magnusen was in a difficult position and then had Team Schiff Steiner, especially as a pilot, then also with security, not ideal. So can you understand that? That you are also at Flavio Briatore's place, even with the story, then Mick says it's not a topic? No, of course, it's also difficult for me, because he brings a certain experience with him and a further development that is clearly visible. That's why he will have his reasons a little bit in the face. My Franco Colapinto can't get a leg on the floor, but he brings a lot of financial means with him, which of course are a hit again. But he has his reasons for it and I think that there was a clear conversation from Alpine to Mick, otherwise Mick wouldn't be so clear in this direction, what goes into the cars. But in my opinion, it's 100% on my side, not because, as I said, Mick Schumacher just has a certain experience with this modern car. Do you think it's cleanly built, Ralph, just like it happened now? Well, I have to say, this test was already a bit how you switched it on. It was clear with the goal that in the morning every racer knows that the track in the morning is two and a half seconds faster, but it's three in the morning, and then Mick has a day off. So I don't want to go back to that. If you're halfway, which is understandable from my point of view, and if you look at the path of the driver, in Formula 1, I think Mick is definitely better than Oda. I don't know if Franz would agree with me at the moment, but he is, and is also better than Liam Lawson, from my point of view. And Culla Pinto has started very strongly, but he hasn't shown exactly this development until now, which he has to have. And therefore, all three of my views are worse than Mick, even much worse. And accordingly, I can't understand that at all, but if you say, of course, the uncle, but it didn't criticize me as much as I do now, but I don't think that's a great decision for the US. But I think that's where the team leaders made mistakes, not to take him back. Timo? Yes, exactly. Again, I just said the experience that he would have had in my eyes for him accordingly, yes. Yes, so maybe at some point I'll have the opportunity again to talk about the whole decision-making. I still remember that test you mentioned at the time, Ralf, not only that, which is clearly also a word for Mick, but also the first data and the first numbers that were exchanged between the teams. They were also wrong at the time. So I don't know how to report that, because I got this information at the time. So that's... Ah, he has a huge team. He has a huge team. I have to say, that was the break-in. Flavio just crashed into the team. You have everything unstructured, and the one who wanted to come to me, who now leads the Alpine program, the LNDA program. Family? Yes, exactly. Bruno, I think, with his name on it, right? Yes, of course. He put everything down here, and Flavio, of course, wanted to do it again. He didn't really want to know what was going on there. And Jack Duhn, I think, also had financial contribution. Everything went down there. I don't even want to talk about Flavio at the moment. But now, in the afternoon, and now with his whole driver, what he did with Jack Duhn, so everything is very unhappy, in my opinion. Well, he's out now, right? So he doesn't play any more in this decision. So let's take that with us. Apart from that, let's take a look at what this Formula 1 Grand Prix week is all about. Sascha brings us to the newest stand and of course has a look at the track "Circuit of the Americas". Well, it's a fact, right? The Circuit of Americas in Austin, Texas is one of the most modern and at the same time with itself has also spectacular tracks in the Formula 1 calendar. Since 2012, a solid component of the Formula 1 season, of course, the exception of the Corona season, of course, also depends a little on the American flair together and of course also with this unique track lead, which there is. 5.5 kilometers long, there are many famous curve combinations combined worldwide. For example, the fast, smooth curves 3 to 6, don't laugh, Maggots, Beckets, Scherpel from Silverstone. Especially, of course, you can see a mega steep rise with a connection to the extremely wide Schytelpunkt. This is a spectacular place. There, this first curve, which offers incredible flair space for overtaking maneuvers. And especially at the start, there are always touches, so it's a great place. Overall, there are 20 curves combined with a height difference of over 40 meters. So, especially this approach to curve 1 is incredible when you look down and then there are many fast sections in the change with technical passages. So, the drivers have to be really concentrated, especially in the last sector, where traction is asked and of course precision. Also particularly, I have already indicated the atmosphere in Austin is unique, such a mixture of this texanic madness, motor sports enthusiasm, so really. So, there is the Formula 1 in the USA actually arrived and of course also a huge festival mood. There are always concerts again. So, that's something special about it. Yes, don't forget at the weekend, a sprint weekend. So, just one training over 60 minutes and therefore much less time for the teams to find the right strategies and distinctions. And especially tricky is at the weekend, because the tire manufacturer Pirelli gave all the tasks this time. Normally, there are always three combined tire mixtures delivered at the weekend. So, for example, C2, C stands for compound, C2, C3 and C4. This weekend there will be one run over. We have C1, C3 and C4. And this makes it possible from the strategy of variables, so one stop against then two stops possibly. It should bring me tension. I'm looking forward to the weekend. Thank you so much, Sascha. It will definitely be spectacular. Favorite, Ralf? What do you think at the weekend? Which team? I've always said McLaren, but there you have to go better with McLaren. I would expect a stop. Mercedes, I don't think so. I don't think the car doesn't work on the long straights. It's just not efficient enough. It's supposed to be very warm. I've read it, always 30° team. The temperature should also come to McLaren, but we've seen what Max Verstappen has for the momentum. That's why I put all the cards on Max Verstappen. Exciting, definitely. You're back again. Stop the clock. Of course, there's always a topic. Are there any candidates that you have in mind for the weekend in Austin? Yes, we've played at Ferrari once. Luis Hempelden won't be there, but I hope it's Scharläkler. Scharläkler, okay. Or Fréd would be there too. Fréd would always be a highlight. Fréd Stören, who worked in his room since he always bothered when playing at the table. That would definitely be my idea. I think it's the 500th use of the Safety Car as well at the weekend. By the way, there are many other stories about it. We like to go there. It's an interesting start to Austin. I hope that everything works out with the transition. You can hear stories here and there. Everything went well this year, for example in Miami. Let's have a look at it. Is there anything else that we have to talk about? Timur, Ralf. You came here last year because it was a bit late, right? Last year I was late. I was late last year. I was too late. I had a lot to fill out. Just like Ikea beds. Not my special discipline. I came here Friday night and saturday morning. Do I look like you this year? I thought so. I think Austin is always so fascinating when I'm with him. Austin loves and lives the Formula 1. It's a huge event. Most of the time there are great musicians. Live concerts. But it already has something. Great track. I like it too. Timur, you were almost at the bar this time, right? Yes. It was a short time until I realized that I was thinking about you and then I realized that I had to organize it again. But it was a bit of a topic for me because I fit with German in Switzerland. I had to go to Bern. And it was the same for me. I had to fill it out online. From the beginning to the end. I ended up on the same page. I made mistakes here and there. And then you gave me a good address. And then it went well. Very good. Let's see if we can all stand there on Friday. But it's going to work out. Timur, Ralf, thank you. Greetings to Germany, to South Africa. And then we'll hear each other next... I'm still excited. We'll hear each other again next week on Tuesday. I don't know if you can see it. But I wish you a good trip. Think about it. Chatlake and the time shift. That's still there. I can't do it. See you. Have fun. Bye.