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Verstappen demonised by Brits? ‘This is why he creates controversy’

After facing years of criticism from British media and analysts, Ma Verstappen has found common ground with Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing’s chief designer, who expressed that the British press has unfairly targeted Verstappen. In a recent interview with Gpblog, Guenther Steiner, the former team principal of Haas F1, offered a different perspective on the matter.

Steiner believes that Verstappen’s controversial reputation is largely a result of his success on the track. He stated, “Max obviously stirs controversy because he wins so much. That’s the only thing.” According to Steiner, the British media, which often has a strong preference for local drivers like Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Lando Norris, tends to favor their own when it comes to race victories. This bias, he argues, isn’t a personal attack on Verstappen but rather a reflection of national pride and loyalty to British drivers.

He elaborated on this point by saying, “We are all nationals. We love our own people, so I think the British press, with having quite a few English drivers, they like it more when Lewis, George, or Lando wins than when Max wins.” This sentiment indicates that the press’s coverage of Verstappen is more about supporting homegrown talent than harboring any personal animosity towards him.

Steiner also highlighted what he perceives as a phenomenon of “fanboy” behavior in the English press. He suggested that their adoration for British drivers can overshadow their objectivity when reporting on Verstappen’s achievements. Despite this, he emphasized that he does not believe the media’s coverage is fundamentally anti-Verstappen. He noted, “Max represents something great in motorsport, and I’m not trying to be nice with him. I think he’s a champion, and obviously when you’re a champion, you’re critiqued.”

In his reflections, Steiner posited that Verstappen is largely unfazed by the media’s opinions. “Max, I don’t think Max gives a s**t about it,” he remarked with a laugh, suggesting that the Dutch driver has developed a thick skin in response to the scrutiny he faces. Steiner’s comments imply that Verstappen remains focused on his performance and achievements, rather than being distracted by the opinions of those who may not support him.

Furthermore, Steiner underscored the importance of allowing diverse opinions within the sport. He expressed his own indifference to criticism, saying, “It’s like me. If you think I’m an idiot, I’m fine with it. It’s like ‘hey, think whatever you want,’ just don’t keep telling me, because I don’t want to speak with you.” This philosophy, he believes, aligns closely with Verstappen’s attitude toward his critics, who might not consider him their favorite driver. Steiner remarked that Verstappen seems to adopt a similar mindset: “He’s saying, ‘yeah, they’re not my fans. Who cares?’”

Despite the ongoing critiques, Verstappen has also faced consequences for his outspoken nature. Recently, he was reprimanded by race stewards for using profanity during a press conference in Singapore, which highlights the balance he must strike between expressing his genuine feelings and adhering to the expectations of public conduct in Formula 1.

In summary, Steiner’s insights provide a multifaceted view of the dynamic between Verstappen and the British media. While there is a clear bias towards British drivers among journalists, Steiner insists that it is not personal against Verstappen. He believes that the champion’s success naturally draws criticism and that Verstappen remains largely unconcerned about the opinions of those who do not support him. Ultimately, Steiner champions the idea of embracing different perspectives within the sport while acknowledging the reality of national pride and favoritism that shapes media narratives. As Verstappen continues to dominate on the track, the conversation around his relationship with the press and his competitors will likely evolve, but his focus on racing success will remain at the forefront.