Max Verstappen in conversation with Niharika Ghorpade from Sportskeeda ahead of the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP. (Images by Mark Thompson/ Getty Images)
Max Verstappen believes his nationality does not favor him in certain situations within a sport dominated by British influence. Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda in Abu Dhabi, the Dutchman reflected on his unique challenges in Formula 1, a sport deeply rooted in British heritage.
The reigning champion has often faced criticism from the British press, particularly when incidents involve British drivers. This, coupled with the dominant presence of British personnel in the sport, has fueled complaints of preferential treatment and disparities from non-British and non-European participants. Some drivers have even suggested that stewards occasionally display a British bias in their decisions, adding to the growing unease among those who feel disadvantaged.
A flashpoint came during the Austin GP, where Verstappen was handed a five-second penalty for forcing Lando Norris off track. In the aftermath, the Dutchman quipped on a Dutch TV channel about having the “wrong passport,” a comment that highlighted his frustration with what he saw as a lack of impartiality.
