In the margins of the title fight, with an English challenger, this season also frequently revolved around the relationship between the British media and Max Verstappen. How do reporters from the United Kingdom view this themselves? “I don’t believe he was taking a swipe at us.”
To cut to the chase: on the weekend they see the Dutchman become champion in Las Vegas, British reporters, when asked, vehemently dismiss the accusations of antipathy that are often leveled at them when it comes to Max Verstappen.
English Fans
But before we make a round among the press in Las Vegas to hear how the situation really is, let’s first provide some clarification and context. What was the situation again? Max Verstappen has been under fire from many English fans since he prevented Lewis Hamilton from winning his eighth world title in 2021. A decision by then-race director Michael Masi is still disputed by many, with Hamilton fans continuing to question the legitimacy of Verstappen’s first title.
Note that many British reporters do not do this. But interestingly enough, it still often comes up indirectly in other contentious issues. And this while Hamilton himself has reportedly long since come to terms with the loss. What also plays a role is Verstappen’s language. He often uses the F-word, for which he recently received a punishment in Singapore that, by Dutch standards, was excessive.
And last but not least, to stay in English spheres for a moment: Verstappen sometimes feels unfairly criticized in the criticism of him by former drivers who work as analysts for the British media. “I have the wrong passport, I think.” With this, he aligned himself with something that Fernando Alonso, as a non-Englishman in the still predominantly Anglo-Saxon Formula 1, once suggested.
In Verstappen’s case, the duel with Englishman Norris – and Verstappen’s actions and whether or not punishments for them – is the recent instigator of the rekindled discussion about the extent to which the British media does or does not have antipathy towards the Dutchman. The objectivity is sometimes somewhat lost according to some global motorsport fans, and also Verstappen and co, while the regulations are clear.
Craig Slater’s Perspective
Sky Sports is often cited as the British medium that is somewhat biased against Max Verstappen. Renowned TV commentator David Croft often bears the brunt of this criticism, but analysts like Damon Hill and Martin Brundle are also frequently accused of being far from neutral towards Verstappen and his actions. Pit reporter Ted Kravitz was even temporarily declared a ‘persona non grata’ by Red Bull Racing.
In Las Vegas, reporter Craig Slater takes ample time to answer some questions about his employer and colleagues. “The messenger often gets the blame,” he acknowledges. “But in the UK, there is genuinely no anti-Verstappen sentiment. I find it unfortunate that people sometimes think that. Are we doing something wrong in our reporting? That’s a question you could ask. But the answer? I don’t think so. Because I know how we approach it all. Critically, but fair.”
(UPDATE: A week later in Qatar, Slater shows a special appreciation for Verstappen by having Verstappen’s championship logo shaved into his hair at the circuit.)
According to Slater, being able to give honest criticism is important. He provides an example. “Of course, I’m not an expert either, I can’t just say what ‘fair racing’ is. But there have certainly been one or two moments this season, like turn 7 in Mexico, where some former drivers may criticize a certain way of racing. People should be able to have their opinions. And Max is not someone who is afraid of some criticism, he responds to it in a direct, Dutch way. That should all be possible, I think.”
Appreciation is not hindered by this, according to Slater. Not even at Sky Sports. “Someone may criticize you, as long as there is the possibility of a rebuttal. And listen: any critical voice about him in no way hinders the recognition of his enormous talent, speed, and dignity as a driver and person, in my opinion.”
Understanding the British Media’s Treatment of Verstappen
So, what does Slater believe is the cause of the fuss over the British media and their treatment of Verstappen? He sighs deeply, scratching his head. “One factor that certainly plays a role: someone finally managed to inject some excitement into the Formula 1 championship. That’s Lando Norris, and the Brits are enthusiastic about him. Can that be perceived as bias? Perhaps. But that’s not the intention. Max is a great guy and an excellent driver. That’s what the Brits truly think.”
Speaking from the Heart
Ben Hunt, formerly of The Sun and now with Autosport, agrees. And you can take Hunt at his word: he’s known for his candidness and isn’t afraid to ask sharp, provocative questions, often playing on sentiment. This is because he’s genuinely curious. But he too has nothing but praise and appreciation for Verstappen.
“Consider this title. He had to work hard for it, had to lead the team, and had no support from his teammate,” says Hunt. “Don’t forget that there’s been a lot going on at Red Bull. He had to deal with that too. Seeing how maturely he handled it, that’s impressive. In the past, we’ve seen emotional outbursts, but not this time. Maturity, that’s what I see in him.”
Praise and Sympathy
So, does Hunt have a lot of sympathy for the Dutchman? He responds cautiously. “Well, it’s my view of him as a driver. I don’t have a personal relationship with Max, which isn’t necessary as a journalist.” However, Hunt recently wrote a book about Red Bull and got a behind-the-scenes look. “But that doesn’t mean I spoke to Max more or longer because of it. So, in that sense, I don’t have a special connection with him.”
He strongly rejects the idea that the British, both spectators and media, would be biased against the Dutchman. “Anti-Verstappen sentiment, that’s nonsense.” He points to the British GP. “When Max comes to Silverstone, well, most spectators are naturally fans of Brits like Hamilton and Norris. That’s just how it is. But they certainly respect him. You can feel it, you can see it. He knows that too.”
No Antipathy
Should the media and fans (not just the British) perhaps stop bringing up 2021? “Good point,” compliments Jonathan McEvoy, a very well-known and experienced F1 reporter for The Daily Mail. He’s the man who prompted Verstappen in Canada years ago to say that he would headbutt someone if they asked him another question about crashes.
But there’s no antipathy from McEvoy. “Absolutely not, Max is a highly respected and deserved champion. If, for example, you had swapped Max and Lando’s cars this season, Max would have become champion in the McLaren. He’s done brilliantly since it became clear in Miami that Red Bull didn’t have the fastest car, his performance in Brazil was also of exceptional class. He’s genuinely one of the greatest drivers ever.”
“Verstappen’s playful jab at the British media in São Paulo, where he questioned their absence at the post-race press conference, was well-received by the reporters. McEvoy, with a smile, agrees, “It made for good headlines, but I don’t believe he was really taking a swipe at the media. At least, that’s not how I personally interpreted it. I’ve gotten along well with Max Verstappen for years.”
‘Much Respect for Max’
However, to be fair, McEvoy acknowledges the possibility of some British media harboring antipathy towards Verstappen. “That danger certainly exists, a few of them might be a bit more supportive of Lando. This is likely due to the events in Abu Dhabi in 2021.”
Isn’t it time to move past that? “I think it should be,” says McEvoy. Regardless, all reporting should be objective, no matter who it’s about. “You shouldn’t suddenly start writing only positive things just because someone is from a certain country.”
Luke Smith, a reporter for The Athletic and widely respected in the paddock, certainly doesn’t do that. He calls the discussion about whether there is sympathy or antipathy ‘exaggerated’. “That’s the right word, I think. In my experience, it doesn’t play a role at all. There is actually a great deal of respect for Max Verstappen in the UK, as well as elsewhere.”
According to him, Formula 1 fans are neither crazy nor blind, no matter where they come from. “As a fan, you can clearly see how talented and good Max is, can’t you? He’s one of the greatest drivers of all time. I don’t sense any rivalry between the British and him. His performances deserve respect and appreciation, which, in my view, he receives. At least, he should.”
Smith points, for example, to Verstappen’s recent fourth title. “If there were any doubts or reservations about Verstappen even after three impressive world titles, his victories and now this fourth world title surely prove everyone wrong by now, right? Hats off to him.”
