BREAKING: Tensions Flare Again Between Max Verstappen and Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz: F1 Star Clashes with Reporter in Ongoing F…read more
Tensions Flare Again Between Max Verstappen and Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz: F1 Star Clashes with Reporter in Ongoing Feud.
Formula 1 is no stranger to rivalries, both on and off the track — and while Max Verstappen dominates in the cockpit, his long-running off-track feud with Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz continues to brew. The reigning four-time world champion recently reignited tensions with Kravitz during a tense exchange, highlighting an already strained relationship that seems far from mending.
Verstappen’s History with the Media
Known for his no-nonsense demeanor and fiery responses, Verstappen has never shied away from calling out what he sees as bias or undue criticism, particularly from elements of the British F1 media. While his raw talent has earned him four consecutive drivers’ titles and helped Red Bull Racing dominate both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he’s often cast as a polarizing figure — a role many argue the media, including Kravitz, have helped cultivate.
Since claiming his first title under controversial circumstances in 2021, Verstappen has found himself portrayed as something of a villain — a narrative that seems to irritate the Dutchman more with each passing season. His meteoric rise and dominant performances have made him a central figure in the sport, but also an easy target for scrutiny.
The Latest Flashpoint
The most recent clash came after the Spanish Grand Prix, in which Verstappen was criticized over Red Bull’s late-race decision to let George Russell pass — a move later acknowledged as an error by the FIA. During a media session ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, Kravitz pressed Verstappen on whether he would be speaking with Red Bull’s temporary sporting director Stephen Knowles about the call.
Verstappen didn’t take kindly to the line of questioning, bristling at what he appeared to view as an unfair targeting of a team member. While his loyalty to Red Bull is well-documented, this latest run-in with Kravitz only cemented the perception that Verstappen has little patience left for Sky Sports’ approach to coverage.
It wasn’t just Kravitz in Verstappen’s crosshairs. Fellow Sky Sports presenter Rachel Brookes also found herself at odds with the Dutchman during the same race weekend. Brookes questioned whether Verstappen’s aggressive move on Russell in Barcelona — which some interpreted as deliberate — was setting a poor example for young fans. Her bold question, “Did you do it on purpose?” was met with Verstappen’s blunt retort: “Does it matter?”
Abu Dhabi Fallout Still Haunts F1
Verstappen’s rocky relationship with Sky Sports dates back to the fallout from the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, arguably the most controversial moment in modern F1 history. The race, and the world championship, turned on a late safety car decision from then-race director Michael Masi, which allowed Verstappen to pass Lewis Hamilton on the final lap.
The incident drew heavy criticism, particularly from British media outlets and Hamilton’s fanbase, many of whom believed the Mercedes driver was “robbed” of a record-breaking eighth title. Kravitz stoked the flames in one of his “Ted’s Notebook” segments, where he joked about referring to Hamilton as an eight-time champion. That remark triggered Red Bull’s brief boycott of Sky Sports during the 2022 Mexican Grand Prix.
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner later confirmed the boycott was lifted ahead of the Brazilian GP that season but called for “more balanced commentary” moving forward — a clear shot at what the team viewed as biased narratives.
Verstappen vs. the Showbiz Side of F1
Adding fuel to the fire is Verstappen’s growing frustration with F1’s pivot toward entertainment. From glitzy events like the Las Vegas and Miami Grands Prix to promotional tie-ins with F1-themed movies, Verstappen has consistently voiced his displeasure at the increasingly commercial nature of the sport. He’s skipped several Hollywood events and repeatedly criticized what he perceives as unnecessary distractions from the racing itself.
Now in his 10th F1 season and with a fifth championship still within reach, Verstappen appears less interested than ever in playing the media game. His focus remains firmly on the racing — and keeping Red Bull on top — even if that means alienating broadcasters or reporters along the way.
Conclusion
Max Verstappen’s ongoing feud with Ted Kravitz and Sky Sports is more than just media friction — it’s emblematic of a champion determined to control his narrative in a sport that often thrives on drama. Whether this latest clash cools down or escalates further remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Verstappen won’t back down, and Kravitz is unlikely to stop asking the tough questions anytime soon.
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