Former Sky Pundit Justifies Max Verstappen & Co.’s Much-Debated Boycott Call With a Jab at Former Employer’s Culture

The 2021 Abu Dhabi GP saga wasn’t the one to die quickly. Not that it has settled even now as Lewis Hamilton’s fans continue to ask for “justice”, but it lived another life when Max Verstappen and Red Bull boycotted Sky Sports coverage last year. After pitlane reporter Ted Kravitz suggested that the Mercedes driver had been robbed of the championship following the United States Grand Prix, they didn’t speak with either of its regional channels.

They maintained the boycott for quite some time but called it off in November. It wasn’t the first time that it happened, and it probably won’t be the last time either. The response to it was pretty mixed, but most people understood Max Verstappen’s decision to speak out against the disrespect. He had then said, “This year it’s been a constant… yeah, kind of like daily being disrespectful, especially one particular person. And it’s enough, I don’t accept it.”

The decision by Max Verstappen has received another endorsement. Joining the list is the former F1 driver, Johnny Herbert. On an episode of his podcast Lift the Lid, the former Sky Sports pundit, as quoted by F1Maximaal from the Express, said, “I was always free to say what I wanted, but if you lashed out at a team in a way, they got a little upset. If they get upset, there is always the chance that you will get something, as we saw with Max. ‘Oh, we’re not going to talk to you because you said this and that.’ That’s where you sometimes have to be careful.”

Finding Verstappen’s decision understandable, he adds, “I remember when racing things were sometimes said that upset you, and then you didn’t speak to that journalist for a few races or more.”

READ MORE: “Taught Everyone a Lesson”: Max Verstappen’s Heroics Hailed After He Destroyed Sergio Perez by Mastering His Most Valuable Quality

Furthermore, Sky Sports, which is often accused of British bias, did not renew Herbert’s contract despite his outspokenness. Herbert had a lot to say about this, regretting the state of affairs. Herbert had always been vocal about certain matters and had never shied away from expressing his views. He believed that some people refrained from speaking out because they did not want to upset someone with whom they had a relationship.

Johnny Herbert praises Max Verstappen

Herbert was critical of Max Verstappen when he was at Sky Sports. The former racer’s praise of the reigning world champion’s skills shocked the fans, probably because of that. Many called it the “anti-Sky Sports effect” as the statement came after Herbert was let go by the channel.

A month ago, he said, “For me already he is one of the best we’ve seen because I think, for me it’s always about consistency, and he does not make mistakes. I always enjoy watching him today, and I always get wowed at what he does today.”

WATCH THIS STORY:  What was the Sky Sports F1 Boycott by Max Verstappen & Red Bull?

The British bias of Sky Sports, also the international coverage partner, has been called out repeatedly by the fans. Do you think it’s legitimate, and is Max Verstappen targeted by the broadcaster?