Ex-F1 champion slams Max Verstappen and Red Bull over anti-Dutch narrative claims in British media

Former F1 presenter Damon Hill blamed Max Verstappen and Red Bull for trying to portray British media as 'anti-Dutch.'

Ex-F1 champion slams Max Verstappen and Red Bull over anti-Dutch narrative claims in British media

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (via F1)

Formula 1 was marred in controversies last season. Max Verstappen and Red Bull alleged that British media were biased towards certain drivers. Now, former F1 presenter Damon Hill has hit back at the reigning world champion.

Verstappen has not been shy of expressing his discontent towards British media, pointing their absence at the post-Brazilian GP press conference. Even aero genius Adrian Newey has blamed such outlets for demonizing non-British drivers such as Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel.

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Damon Hill labeled such comments as ‘jingoism.’ The former F1 world champion had grown tired of having to face allegations of being anti-Dutch or anti-Verstappen simply because he was part of Sky F1, a British broadcaster. Though, Hill was pushed out of the role at the end of last season.

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What I don’t like is jingoism. And I don’t like the fact that it became a ‘You’re against us because we’re not British’ and all that nonsense, which was used as a way of pressuring us. It’s utterly unfair to suggest that there is any kind of anti-Dutch thing going on.

Damon Hill told The Telegraph

Max Verstappen and Red Bull ‘apply pressure’ for favorable coverage

The British icon claimed that these comments might be meant to keep media houses in line with how the team wants to be covered. Damon Hill acknowledged that no broadcaster would like to lose access to Max Verstappen. As such, Hill insisted that this allowed Red Bull to apply pressure and get positive coverage.

Christian Horner, Max Verstappen, and Helmut Marko
Christian Horner, Max Verstappen, and Helmut Marko (via IMAGO)

They also do not want to be denied access to a very important figure in this sport. And I think Red Bull know that, and they apply pressure if they need to.

Damon Hill added

Claims of media bias in Formula 1 are not new. However, drivers such as Verstappen are no longer hesitant to speak out over what they think is favoring just one side. It remains to be seen if British media houses will shift towards a more neutral approach this season.