The 2024 Formula 1 season reignited debates about bias in motorsport, particularly claims of favoritism from the British media. Central to the conversation was Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, who found himself at the heart of criticism and scrutiny. Red Bull’s advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, has now weighed in, calling out the “unbalanced” treatment Verstappen received from British outlets in his Speedweek column.
Verstappen Dominates Yet Faces Bias Claims
Heading into the 2024 season, Max Verstappen was expected to dominate once again, continuing his streak of supremacy for Red Bull Racing. The Dutch driver lived up to the expectations, wrapping up the championship two races before the season’s end.
However, the rise of Lando Norris, backed by McLaren’s mid-season upgrades, provided moments of tension. The British driver briefly posed a challenge, leading to speculation of a title fight that could rival the Verstappen-Hamilton battles of previous years. Despite falling short of sustaining the challenge, Norris received overwhelming support from British media outlets, which Verstappen perceived as biased.
Verstappen publicly suggested that the media’s favoritism was rooted in him having the “wrong passport,” sparking broader discussions about impartiality in F1 reporting.
Marko: Verstappen is the Best Driver of 2024
In his end-of-year column on Speedweek, Dr. Helmut Marko reflected on Verstappen’s performance and dismissed the criticism leveled at the Dutch champion.
“Max has matured further this year,” Marko wrote. “He was the best mentally, as a driver, and in one-on-one combat. He has learned to achieve only what is necessary.”
Marko highlighted Verstappen’s ability to focus on the bigger picture, citing moments where he prioritized championship points over individual race wins. “If anyone had said at the beginning of the year that he would wave Lewis Hamilton and the two Ferraris past because he was thinking about the world championship, that would have been declared nonsense. But he did it because he knows what he has to concentrate on.”
The Brazilian Grand Prix: Verstappen’s Showcase of Dominance
Marko singled out Verstappen’s performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix as a prime example of his skill and resilience.
“He had already put in a really good performance in 2016 in Interlagos under similar conditions,” Marko noted, “but he made a few mistakes back then. This time, he made no mistakes, and that shows how strong his nerves are.”
Marko emphasized the psychological edge Verstappen displayed by setting 17 consecutive fastest laps toward the end of the race, calling it a “psychological humiliation for the competition.” This performance, he argued, reaffirmed Verstappen’s place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
The Bias in Media Reporting
Marko also addressed the role of the British media, accusing them of favoring Norris and other emerging challengers while downplaying Verstappen’s achievements.
“It’s true that there is not necessarily an objective balance in the English media,” Marko stated. “But I think that the phenomenon that always plays a role is that the person who comes on the scene as a new, potential star or hunter enjoys more sympathy than the established champion.”
He noted that while media narratives can be skewed, Verstappen remains unfazed by criticism.
“Max doesn’t care. He always says what he thinks and shows his emotions, and I think that’s right,” Marko explained.
The Bigger Picture: Verstappen’s Focus on Winning
For Marko and Red Bull, the media’s driver ratings and popularity polls hold little relevance. Their primary focus remains on scoring points and winning championships.
“The 17 fastest laps in Brazil, the victories under pressure, and his strategic thinking define why Max is unmatched,” Marko said. “That is our top priority, and his top priority. We are not concerned with the journalists’ ratings or any degree of popularity.”
Verstappen’s unwavering focus on results over public perception is one of the key factors that continue to set him apart from his peers.
A Champion Unmoved by Criticism
As the 2024 season concludes, the narrative surrounding Verstappen remains as polarizing as ever. While the British media hailed Norris as the underdog hero, Verstappen quietly continued to break records and dominate the sport.
Marko’s defense of Verstappen underscores a key theme: the reigning champion’s focus on his craft rather than external validation. As Marko aptly concluded, “Max’s ability to remain unaffected by criticism and focus on his job is what makes him a champion. He doesn’t need anyone’s approval to prove that he is the best.”
With three consecutive championships under his belt, Verstappen heads into the 2025 season with the same determination — and perhaps a chip on his shoulder — to prove why he remains Formula 1’s ultimate benchmark.
Conclusion
While media bias remains a contentious topic in Formula 1, Max Verstappen’s achievements speak louder than any narrative. With his mental fortitude, race-winning performances, and unmatched skill under pressure, Verstappen has firmly established himself as the best driver of 2024.
As Formula 1 evolves, so will the scrutiny surrounding its stars. Yet for Verstappen, the focus remains clear: winning races and championships, leaving the noise behind.
