AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Max Verstappen Calls for Change: F1’s British Bias and Netherlands’ Rise

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
December 31, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Max Verstappen Calls for Change: F1’s British Bias and Netherlands’ Rise

Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - December 1, 2024 Red Bull's Max Verstappen reacts after winning the Qatar Grand Prix REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time Formula 1 world champion, has raised a critical point about the sport’s historical biases, highlighting the Netherlands’ long-overlooked presence in motorsport. After another dominant season in 2024, Verstappen reflected on the challenges Dutch drivers have faced in a sport long dominated by British influence.

The Dutch Underdog: Breaking Barriers

Despite the Netherlands producing notable talents in motorsport history, Verstappen is the first Dutch driver to reach the pinnacle of Formula 1 success. Reflecting on the past, Verstappen pointed out how Dutch drivers were not taken seriously compared to those from traditional racing powerhouses like the UK, Italy, and Germany.

“As a Dutchman, you weren’t really taken seriously for a very long time. If you look at the dominant countries in motorsport, we were not among them. That is changing now.”

His meteoric rise has sparked a motorsport revolution in the Netherlands, with fans and drivers alike inspired by his achievements. Zandvoort’s reintroduction to the F1 calendar has further cemented the country’s place in the sport.

A British-Centric Sport

Verstappen didn’t shy away from addressing Formula 1’s English-oriented nature, which he believes has historically marginalized drivers from other countries.

“Formula 1 is an English-oriented sport and in terms of media and things like that you are in the minority. But in terms of drivers, it is increasingly being established that very good drivers can also come from the Netherlands and not just from the standard racing countries.”

He pointed to the overwhelming presence of British media—comprising 80-85% of the sport’s reporters—as a significant factor influencing narratives, particularly ones that he feels have been unfairly critical of him.

“The problem in F1 is that 80 to 85 per cent of the media is British. And I did feel that some things which were written about me were not fair.”

Shifting Dynamics: F1’s Growing Diversity

While Verstappen has called out the bias, the sport is evolving. New talents from non-traditional racing nations, combined with the growing influence of the American market, are gradually diversifying Formula 1. The rise of Dutch motorsport culture and Verstappen’s dominance have undoubtedly played a significant role in this shift.

Looking Ahead: Verstappen’s Legacy

Despite his concerns, Verstappen remains focused on continuing his historic run in Formula 1. With his eyes set on further championships, the Dutchman is not only rewriting the record books but also challenging the sport’s traditional norms.

As Formula 1 continues to expand globally, Verstappen’s success might well pave the way for more drivers from underrepresented nations to take center stage. For now, his dominance is not just a triumph for himself but a beacon of hope for Dutch motorsport and the broader F1 community looking to shake off its entrenched biases.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Ford’s triumphant comeback at Dakar Rally: Mitch Guthrie Jr’s stunning stage victory shakes Toyota dominance
Motorsports

Ford’s triumphant comeback at Dakar Rally: Mitch Guthrie Jr’s stunning stage victory shakes Toyota dominance

Kin Marcin / Red Bull Content Pool

by Arthur Ling
January 6, 2026
Mitch Guthrie seizes Dakar 2026 lead as Ford triumphs in thrilling Stage 3 showdown
Motorsports

Mitch Guthrie seizes Dakar 2026 lead as Ford triumphs in thrilling Stage 3 showdown

Marcelo Maragni / Red Bull Content Pool

by Arthur Ling
January 6, 2026
Sergio Perez unleashes shocking Red Bull exit revelations: will Cadillac reignite his F1 legacy?
Motorsports

Sergio Perez unleashes shocking Red Bull exit revelations: will Cadillac reignite his F1 legacy?

Sergio Perez's Explosive Exit from Red Bull: The Inside Story of an F1 Career in Turmoil In a shocking revelation,...

by Carl Harrison
January 6, 2026
F1 2026 revolution: fans predict shocking storylines as new teams and rules reshape racing
Motorsports

F1 2026 revolution: fans predict shocking storylines as new teams and rules reshape racing

F1 2026: A Revolutionary Season That Will Change Everything! Fans Weigh In on the Biggest Storylines! Get ready, motorsport enthusiasts!...

by Harry Bright
January 6, 2026

Recent News

Ford’s triumphant comeback at Dakar Rally: Mitch Guthrie Jr’s stunning stage victory shakes Toyota dominance

Ford’s triumphant comeback at Dakar Rally: Mitch Guthrie Jr’s stunning stage victory shakes Toyota dominance

January 6, 2026
Mitch Guthrie seizes Dakar 2026 lead as Ford triumphs in thrilling Stage 3 showdown

Mitch Guthrie seizes Dakar 2026 lead as Ford triumphs in thrilling Stage 3 showdown

January 6, 2026
Novo SUV elétrico: Kia EV5 a caminho

New electric SUV: Kia EV5 on the way.

January 6, 2026
BYD Dolphin atualizado

“World’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer: BYD surpasses Tesla.”

January 6, 2026

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.