British media "bias" in spotlight once again as Max Verstappen's comments backed by FIA president

FIA President Muhammed Ben Sulayem has said he agrees with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen's comments about British media's "bias" in F1. The three-time world champion had said there was a media bias in the UK towards drivers from the country and agreed with aero wizard Adrian Newey when he made the same claim.

The British media have been subjected to criticism for their "nationalistic" coverage, with some reputed F1 personnel accusing them of being biased. However, this is the first time that the FIA President has spoken on the matter.

Ben Sulayem said he was in agreement with Max Verstappen. Sulayem added that the British media "convicted" him. He said (via Motorsport.com),

"I respect Max because I'm a driver. I was a champion and I respect winners and champions. I see he had his share [of mistreatment], but let's talk about me. If you look at the British media and what they did to me… For God's sake, they convicted me.

“They didn't accuse me [of anything], but they keep on [going]. And do I care? No. Why? Because what are they after? They are after selling and getting more coverage for themselves. Of course, yes."

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Max Verstappen gives his take on British media bias in F1

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen said he agreed with Adrian Newey's comments that there was a British media bias in F1. However, the three-time world champion had an interesting outlook on the debate.

Verstappen said (via ViaPlay):

"Absolutely. I agree 100%. see it like this: if 85% of the media is Dutch, then you secretly always have a bias for a Dutchman doing better than everybody else. and in terms of discussions you will always defend your countryman instead of others. that’s just the way it is, you know that as well.

"Of course, you try to keep it as neutral as possible and some countries go overboard with it, I think. I just do my thing, with some you have a good relationship and some you’re just not as interested in. Ultimately all that matters is I do well on track. they can say and shout whatever they want, it doesn’t matter!"

At the 2022 US Mexican Grand Prix in Mexico City, Max Verstappen and Red Bull had refused to talk to the British broadcaster Sky F1 after pundit Ted Kravitz in his "Ted's Notebook" segment spoke negatively about the 26-year-old regarding the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

However, Red Bull and Verstappen returned to do media duties as usual after this race.