Will Buxton admits bias – Verstappen’s ‘British bias’ comments prompt reflection: Will Buxton weighs in… – Max Verstappen’s comments about “British bias” in Formula One have been one of the most talked about topics of the 2024 season. The Dutch four-time world champion, who rarely engages in media drama, found himself in the spotlight as he responded to criticism from British journalists, former drivers and stewards.

The conversation about media bias wasn’t new, but it gained momentum as Verstappen faced penalties and scrutiny during his championship battle with Lando Norris. In an exclusive interview with Dutch publication, F1Maximaal.nl, journalist Will Buxton shares his thoughts on Verstappen’s allegations and reflects on the wider implications of national bias in the motorsport media.

 

 

 

Verstappen breaks his silence

Known for his laser-focused demeanour, Verstappen rarely speaks during media moments. In 2024, however, the Dutchman addressed criticism head-on.

Accusations of bias came to a head during Verstappen’s title fight with Norris, where he was repeatedly questioned by British journalists and criticised by former drivers such as Johnny Herbert, Martin Brundle, Jolyon Palmer and Damon Hill.

“I’ve got the wrong passport,” Verstappen quipped after a string of penalties in the second half of the season, including controversial incidents in Singapore and Mexico.

Verstappen’s frustrations boiled over after a stunning victory in São Paulo, where he sarcastically asked: “Where are the British journalists by now? Have they already left for the airport or could they not find the press room?”

Buxton, one of the journalists present, explained that fewer journalists attended the press conference because they often prioritised getting quotes in the paddock, known as “the square”. His answer wasn’t meant to defend anyone, but it did add fuel to the fire of national bias in F1 coverage.

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Buxton reflects: Is bias inevitable?

In his interview, Buxton admitted that Verstappen’s comments made him question his own perspective.

“I started thinking about the things I say or post on social media and how people immediately react to it,” Buxton said. “They say, ‘Oh, that’s British bias.’ I started to ask myself: Is that something I’m not seeing? Or something I’m not aware of?”

Buxton, who works for Formula1.com and F1TV rather than a national broadcaster, emphasised his efforts to maintain neutrality.

“I try to give an international feel to our broadcasts. We try to be respectful to everyone, regardless of nationality or team. But do I, as a Brit, have a natural tendency to side with George [Russell] in a conflict with Max? That’s something I have to think about…”

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National pride or media bias?

Social media has amplified these debates, allowing fans to polarise conversations about drivers and teams. Platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram have become battlegrounds for fans to accuse media personalities of bias, often without considering the nuances of their comments.

Buxton acknowledged the challenges of navigating this space.

“When I said that if Max really did make that threat [to put Russell in the wall in Qatar], it wasn’t right, I was immediately accused of being biased because I’m British. But I said before that I heard Max’s comments from other people, so I didn’t take it out of context myself,” he explained.

“It’s very easy to hear what you want to hear and only see one side,” Buxton added. “Social media can be very black and white – you’re either with me or against me. There’s no middle ground.”

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Buxton admits bias: The role of British media in storytelling

Verstappen’s complaints about British bias tie into a wider tradition of media storytelling in F1. Buxton compared Verstappen’s situation to past rivalries such as Mansell vs Senna, Hill vs Schumacher, Hamilton vs Vettel and Hamilton vs Verstappen. These mediums naturally write with a bias admits Buxton.

“The British press love to create villains because that’s what sells their newspapers,” he said.

Buxton pointed to the example of Nigel Mansell giving Ayrton Senna a lift back to the pits at Silverstone – a moment celebrated as an iconic display of sportsmanship.

“But nobody remembers why Mansell had to pick up Senna. The British fans wanted to see blood,” said Buxton.

From that perspective, Verstappen is the villain of the British headlines, while his rivals are the heroes.

“I understand exactly where Max is coming from,” admitted Buxton. “I hope I’m not one of them.”

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A universal phenomenon

Buxton argued that national bias isn’t unique to the British media.

“Every country has a preference for the drivers who represent their flag,” he said. “Ferrari is sacred in Italy, Spain focuses on Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso, and Max is the hero in the Netherlands. Don’t the Dutch broadcasters or press have a preference for Max? Isn’t Checo [Sergio Pérez] the hero in Mexico too?”

Buxton explained that this tendency to favour local heroes is part of the way sports stories are told.

“If you’re part of a national broadcaster or newspaper, you build love and emotion around your local hero. It’s natural,” he said.

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Verstappen’s legacy

Verstappen’s complaints about bias highlight the challenges of being a dominant driver in a global sport. His unprecedented success and fiery personality have made him a polarising figure, particularly in regions where rival drivers are celebrated. However, Buxton’s reflections suggest that the bias in F1 coverage is less about deliberate prejudice and more about the natural inclination to celebrate one’s own.

As the 2024 season comes to a close and fans reflect on the rivalries and controversies, Verstappen’s words will continue to spark debate about how the media shapes perceptions of drivers. For Buxton, the key takeaway is the need for self-awareness and fairness.

“I try to give everyone a fair go,” he said.

“But maybe Max’s comments are a reminder for all of us to check our biases and tell the story as it is – not just as we want it to be.”

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