F1 journalist rules out Max Verstappen’s British bias claims - “I like to think we're pretty balanced”

After winning the Brazilian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen took a jibe at the British media. Renowned F1 journalist Martin Brundle responded to Verstappen's comments during a recent Sky Sports F1 podcast.

Since the incident between Verstappen and his title rival Lando Norris during the US Grand Prix, the former has been under scrutiny for his aggressive driving style. Some criticized the triple-world champion for losing his edge under pressure. Further adding to the Dutchman's woes was a similar incident during the Mexican Grand Prix where he was penalized for pushing the McLaren driver off the race track.

However, after dominating a rain-soaked Brazilian Grand Prix (a race where Norris was unable to deliver a top performance), Verstappen took a dig at the British media during the post-race media interaction, calling them biased.

During a recent Sky Sports F1 podcast with Matt Baker, senior journalist and F1 pundit Brundle responded to Verstappen's 'biased' accusations.

"No, I don’t think we do. I don’t think there’s any… I mean, I’m a Brit. I’m a former British Formula 1 driver, and we’re broadcasting primarily to a British broadcaster. Others take our feed all the way around the world. So, do we?" Brundle responded, explaining the situation (35:06 onward).

"We’re nothing like… When I watch the Olympics or the World Cup or the European Cup, obviously, your commentators are fervently pro whichever country they’re from. I don’t think we do that. I like to think we’re pretty balanced. I really do," he added (35:23 onward).

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"He was almost just relieved" - Dutch journalist Ruud Dimmers on Lando Norris' changed demeanor at the Brazilian Grand Prix

With just three races to go, Max Verstappen is leading the 2024 driver's table with his closest title rival Lando Norris 62 points behind the defending world champion. Dutch journalist Ruud Dimmers claimed he witnessed a change in the demeanor of the 24-year-old Briton after the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Dimmers spoke about the same during a recent RacingNews365 podcast.

"Actually at the end of that race in Brazil, it seemed as if he (Norris) was almost just relieved. He had been running races for a long time with his soul under his arm. He was really happy when he had the pole position. We saw that boy from before – nice and optimistic," he said.

"And now the championship pressure came in, whether it was a real title fight or not. In Brazil, it was done. He looked like (he could) breathe out and relax," Dimmers added.

With just 86 points available in the final stage of the 2024 championship, Verstappen will likely be looking forward to sealing the deal during the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend between November 21st and 23rd.