Prominent British journalists have responded to Max Verstappen's recent remarks suggesting clear bias in the British media's coverage of Formula 1.
Following his win from P17 on the grid in Brazil, amid growing criticism of his driving style, Verstappen remarked that the British media appeared to have skipped the post-race press conference.
"They had to run to the airport?" he joked. "Or they don't know where the press conference is?"
Will Buxton, a well-known broadcaster for F1TV, called Verstappen's comment a "cheeky post-race dig at UK press."
He explained that he personally hasn't attended a post-race press conference for "years" as broadcaster journalists are typically busy in the paddock at that time.
"If you're British, then a Lewis (Hamilton), Lando (Norris), George (Russell) in the top three probably gives a bit of sway to being there, but not always," Buxton noted.
David Croft, lead commentator for Sky's UK coverage, echoed Buxton's comments.
"Sometimes there's more to a story than just a soundbite or a chance to attack people for perception of British bias," he said, addressing Verstappen's remark.
"For my part, as it's a press conference for written media only, I never attend, no matter who's won," Croft clarified. "Thursday press conferences are different, they are for broadcast and written media together. Just to help people understand."
Dutch commentator Olav Mol had his own rejoinder, saying on Ziggo Sport that the "Sky guys really think they are God."
Verstappen's father, Jos, has also been vocal about alleged pro-British bias, telling De Telegraaf after the Brazilian GP: "They (British media) are keeping their big mouths shut for now.
"Max has shown that he is the very best, after all these people shouted that he should change his driving style. His driving style is perfect.
"Even that first lap in the rain, in which he gained six places. He is just always perfect in those conditions."
Jos Verstappen even singled out former F1 driver Johnny Herbert, arguing that someone serving as an FIA steward should not publicly criticize his son's driving.
This week, Herbert responded. "I understand that Jos sees it that way, because it concerns his son. But I have always said that I am Johnny Herbert, the steward and the professional, on race weekends, and outside of that I am Johnny Herbert, the analyst, who says what he thinks.
"Why am I not allowed to have an opinion when I'm not at the track?"
