F1 News: Newey aims fire at biased British F1 media coverage

(GMM) Max Verstappen has sided “100 percent” with Red Bull’s departing Adrian Newey on the bias of British media in Formula 1.

In 2022, Verstappen got so disgusted with Sky Sports bias against he and his team, he refused all further interviews with them. Here Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing walks in the Paddock ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 12, 2022 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Although Newey has signed up with Aston Martin for 2025 and beyond, triggering rumors Verstappen may soon follow him, he defended the triple world champion for the way he is often portrayed in the UK press.

“There’s a sort of demonization that both of them suffered at times which I think is very unfair,” said Newey, also referring to German Sebastian Vettel.

He pointed at the “British media” in general, but also the “quite nationalistic” coverage of the UK broadcaster Sky, whose F1 coverage is also picked up by other countries.

Dutch racing personality Tom Coronel hailed Newey for his “honesty”.

“He’s British after all,” he told Viaplay.

“People sometimes tell me to take off my orange glasses, but I don’t necessarily wear orange glasses,” Coronel added. “I just like the attacking style. That’s why I’ve always been a fan of Max.

“There’s never a dull moment. There’s always something going on around him. There’s fire in that man, whether he crashes or wins,” he said.

“So I think it is very honest of Newey to be outspoken like this in the English press. Because then he’s also opening himself up for criticism.”

Crucially, Verstappen also agrees with Newey’s assessment of British bias.

“Absolutely. I agree 100 percent,” the triple world champion told Viaplay.

“In terms of discussions, you will always defend your countryman instead of the other,” Verstappen added. “But you also try to keep it as neutral as possible and some countries go overboard with it, I think.

“In the end, they can say and shout whatever they want. It doesn’t matter to me.”

September 12, 2024

(GMM) Adrian Newey has aimed fire at the role played in Formula 1 by “the British media” and their demonization of any non-British driver who reigns supreme.

The 65-year-old is British himself, and he is switching from Milton-Keynes based Red Bull to Silverstone-based Aston Martin next year – having also designed all of his title-winning F1 cars on British soil.

Sky Sports F1 commentators Ted Kravitz and David Croft and their peers favor British drivers and demonize drivers like Max Verstappen, who make them look weak and silly.

However, he insists British journalists and outlets are often not fair to prominent non-British players in the paddock.

“From the outside I’m not sure people fully appreciate and understand Max (Verstappen), just like they didn’t with Sebastian (Vettel),” Newey told the High-Performance podcast.

“Because. first of all, there’s a sort of demonization that both of them suffered at times which, I think, is very unfair. Maybe that’s also a little bit of the British media, if I’m honest.”

And Newey aimed particular ire at the way the British broadcaster Sky covers the grands prix.

“Sky have a huge influence around the world,” he said. “Their viewing is truly international, but their coverage is quite nationalistic, dare I say, and that can have an influence.

“It’s this thing that now with journalism typically, there is that trend to sort of either put people on a pedestal or knock them down.”

Meanwhile, on the topic of quadruple world champion Vettel, Newey was asked if he thinks the retired German might actually be in the running to return to F1 next year with Audi-owned Sauber.

“Sebastian called me recently,” he answered. “He is currently travelling through Norway in his motorhome. Personally, I don’t see a comeback. He is enjoying his life,” said Newey.

“He has left racing behind and is now doing other things – good for him.”