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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.

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