Tensions in the Formula 1 (F1) world continue to rise after Max Verstappen and the Red Bull team accused the media and F1 community of showing clear favoritism toward British drivers. In response to these claims, former world champion Damon Hill has hit back, emphasizing that Verstappen and Red Bull’s accusations are baseless and one-sided.

The controversy stems from Verstappen’s recent statements, in which he expressed frustration over how British drivers, particularly Lewis Hamilton, often receive preferential treatment from the media and in discussions about on-track achievements. According to Verstappen, drivers from outside the UK, despite their talent and outstanding performances, are still rated lower compared to their British counterparts.

Red Bull, which has had a tense relationship with Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton in recent years, echoed this view. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, even claimed that there is a “hidden system” that ensures British drivers are always placed in more favorable positions, from media coverage to certain key decisions made by British-based teams.

Damon Hill, the 1996 F1 world champion and a symbol of British motorsport, was quick to refute Verstappen’s perspective. He argued that there is no favoritism toward British drivers and that Red Bull’s accusations are merely a tactic to pressure the media and downplay the achievements of other drivers.

Hill stressed that success in F1 does not come from nationality or media bias but is primarily based on skill, on-track performance, and individual hard work. He also pointed out that Verstappen and Red Bull themselves benefit greatly from the F1 system, with strong backing from sponsors and consistently having the best racing conditions.

One significant point Hill made was that young talents in F1 are not being “buried” due to favoritism toward British drivers. He asserted that F1 is a fiercely competitive environment where only the best drivers can survive. Names like Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, George Russell, and even Verstappen himself are clear proof that talent is always recognized, regardless of nationality.

In reality, F1 has seen the dominance of non-British drivers for many years. Before Lewis Hamilton’s era, the sport witnessed the reigns of Michael Schumacher (Germany), Sebastian Vettel (Germany), and Fernando Alonso (Spain). Max Verstappen himself, having won three consecutive world championships since 2021, is proof that a driver does not need to be British to rise to the top and become an icon in the racing world.

Nevertheless, it is undeniable that British media has a significant influence on F1, given the sport’s long history in the UK. Many top teams, such as Mercedes, McLaren, Aston Martin, and Williams, are based in Britain, and a large portion of F1 journalists and analysts are also from the country. However, according to Hill, this does not imply a systematic bias in favor of British drivers. He argued that media coverage primarily reflects audience interest and the fact that the UK has a massive F1 fanbase.