In a recent statement, former Formula 1 driver Damon Hill has accused Red Bull of fueling the narrative of “British bias” in an effort to pressure broadcasters, particularly Sky Sports, and control the media narrative surrounding Max Verstappen. Hill, who is a well-known pundit and analyst, claims that Red Bull is fiercely defending their driver and doesn’t appreciate any form of criticism directed towards the Dutch racing star.

“Red Bull fight their corner very forcefully. And they don’t like criticism of Max. And they didn’t like, particularly, some of the things that were said,” Hill remarked. The comments highlight the tension between the team and the media, particularly with Verstappen’s dominance in the sport, which has stirred controversy among some fans and pundits.

Hill also addressed Red Bull’s perception of British broadcasters, particularly Sky Sports, alleging that the team has often claimed the network to be “British-centric” and “biased” towards their homegrown drivers, such as Lewis Hamilton. However, Hill expressed his belief that this accusation is “unfair” and that the situation may actually be the opposite.

“On the whole, they’ve always taken the view that Sky are British-centric and biased, which is really unfair, I think. Actually, I think there is a desire [the other way],” Hill explained. “I don’t think Sky want to be accused of being biased at all. I think they want to be a fair broadcaster of the sport – credit where credit’s due and all that.”

The issue of bias in broadcasting has been a point of contention in recent seasons, especially as Verstappen’s rise to dominance has sparked debates about media coverage. While Red Bull may feel that certain media outlets are overly critical of their driver, Hill suggests that Sky Sports and other broadcasters strive to offer balanced and fair coverage.

As the 2025 Formula 1 season progresses, it remains to be seen how this narrative will evolve and whether Red Bull will continue to challenge the media’s portrayal of Verstappen’s successes. What is clear, however, is the ongoing battle between team interests, media narratives, and the public’s perception of fairness in the sport.