Max Verstappen fires back at British media after a Brazil GP press conference joke stirred reactions. The Dutchman targets two broadcasters, saying they should “keep yourselves out of it.”
Max Verstappen’s Tense Exchange with British Media Post-Brazil GP
Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 champion, reignited tensions with the British press after his comments following the Brazilian Grand Prix stirred reactions across social media. Following his dominant win in Sao Paulo, the Red Bull star aimed a lighthearted joke at the British media, which later escalated after two prominent broadcasters weighed in.
Verstappen, speaking to Dutch media outlet Viaplay, clarified his stance and delivered a pointed message: “Keep yourselves out of it.”
What Happened After the Brazil GP?
After securing a commanding victory in Sao Paulo, Verstappen was in a playful mood during the post-race press conference. He quipped:
“I appreciate all of you being here, but I don’t see any British press. Do they have to run to the airport, or they don’t know where the press conference is?”
While the comment was intended as a lighthearted joke, it triggered reactions, particularly from two British broadcasters who took to Twitter/X to respond.
- Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft clarified that he doesn’t attend post-race press conferences, as they are reserved for written media.
- F1 TV presenter Will Buxton also echoed similar sentiments, explaining why broadcasters often miss the FIA’s post-race media sessions.
Croft tweeted:
“Sometimes there’s more to a story than just a sound bite or a chance to attack people for perception of British bias.”
He further added that quotes from the press conference are made widely available, allowing media members to focus on other stories at the time.
Verstappen Fires Back: ‘Keep Yourselves Out of It’
Speaking to his native outlet Viaplay, Verstappen revealed that his comments weren’t directed at the broadcasters who responded but rather at specific written journalists who frequently criticize him.
“You know what I liked the most? Immediately two people felt attacked and they had to write about it on Twitter or X. It isn’t even about you. Just keep yourselves out of it.”
Verstappen expressed frustration at what he sees as unnecessary involvement, stating:
“They think they’re so important, they immediately have to talk about it. But it was about the normal journalists that do sit there, and they weren’t there.”
The Dutchman’s remarks reflect his long-standing belief that there is an inherent British bias in F1 coverage, particularly when it comes to comparisons with British drivers and their media portrayal.
Why Verstappen’s Comment Sparked Debate
The interaction highlighted underlying tensions between Verstappen and certain factions of the British press. The reigning champion has often spoken about feeling unfairly treated by sections of the media, especially when compared to British drivers like Lewis Hamilton or rising star Lando Norris.
- British Media Dominance: A significant portion of F1’s global coverage comes from UK-based broadcasters and journalists.
- Perceived Bias: Verstappen and his fans have frequently pointed out perceived favoritism toward British drivers in media narratives.
This latest episode underscores Verstappen’s growing frustration with the situation, even as he continues to dominate on track.
The Reaction from British Broadcasters
While Max Verstappen refrained from naming individuals, the responses from prominent broadcasters like David Croft and Will Buxton were notable:
- David Croft: Defended his absence by emphasizing his role as a broadcaster, not a writer. He pointed out the press conference’s exclusivity for written media.
- Will Buxton: Reiterated similar reasoning, adding that broadcasters rely on post-conference transcripts to keep up with driver comments.
Their measured responses aimed to clarify the situation, but Verstappen’s comments suggest a deeper tension between himself and sections of the British media.
A Longstanding Rift: Verstappen vs. British Media
This incident adds to a growing history of friction between Max Verstappen and the British press. From heated on-track rivalries—most notably with Lewis Hamilton—to perceived media narratives, Verstappen has frequently voiced his concerns about fairness.
- Brazil GP Highlight: Verstappen’s dominant win in Sao Paulo showcased his continued brilliance, but his post-race comments overshadowed the sporting achievement.
- Fan Reactions: While some fans supported Verstappen’s stance, others criticized him for reigniting unnecessary controversy.
Conclusion: Verstappen Keeps the Media in Check
Max Verstappen’s message to the British media following the Brazil GP—“keep yourselves out of it”—reflects his growing discontent with certain narratives and reactions. While his joke may have been lighthearted, the broader debate about media bias in Formula 1 continues to spark heated discussions among fans, broadcasters, and drivers alike.
As Verstappen continues his dominance on the track, his off-track interactions with the media remain just as captivating.
