BRITISH MEDIA RESPONDED TO VERSTAPPEN’S STATEMENTS

Leading figures of the British media reacted to Max Verstappen’s implicing that there was a clear prejudice against him in Formula 1 news and broadcasts.
Verstappen, who has received harsh criticism of his driving style in recent weeks, claimed that the British media boycotted the post-race press conference after his impressive victory by climbing from 17th place in Brazil and said: “Did they have to run to the airport? Or don’t they know where the press conference is?”
Will Buxton, one of the famous broadcasters of F1TV, described this as “an insolent reference to the post-race British press”. The broadcaster explained that journalists were busy with the paddock at the time and that he did not attend the post-race press conference “for years”.
“If you’re British, having Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, or George Russell in the top three will probably have a little impact on being there, but not always,” Buxton added.
David Croft, the lead commentator of Sky UK publications, also agrees with Buxton.
Referring to Verstappen’s post-race joke, Croft said, “Sometimes there’s more to a story than just an audio recording or the chance to attack people to create a perception of British bias,” and added:
“Since there is a press conference only for the written press for myself, I never participate in whoever wins,”
“Thursday press conferences are different, written and visual are for media. Maybe this will help people understand the situation.”
Dutch commentator Olav Mol, on the other hand, stated on Ziggo Sport that he disagreed with these statements by saying, “Those on Sky really think they are God.”
Verstappen’s father and manager Jos also harshly criticised British prejudice recently, and after the Brazilian GP, he told De Telegraaf newspaper: “The British media are keeping their big mouths shut for now.
“Max showed all those people who said he had to change his driving style that he was the best. The driving style is perfect. Even the first round he won six places in the rain… It’s always perfect in such conditions.”
Jos Verstappen also gave the name of former F1 driver Johnny Herbert, emphasizing that he should not publicly criticize the drive of the son of a referee at the FIA.
This week, Herbert responded: “I understand that Jos thinks so because it’s about his son. However, as I always say, I’m a referee and professional on race weekends, and other than that, I’m an analyst who says what he thinks.”
“Why am I not allowed to express my opinion when I am not on the track?”