In light of the recent Sky Sports and Red Bull friction, McLaren’s Lando Norris didn’t hesitate to take a rather direct jibe at the broadcaster Ted Kravitz, in defense of friend and fellow competitor, Max Verstappen.
The Red Bull team have actively boycotted the channel in order to stand behind their team star, Max Verstappen. Back at the race in Austin, the Sky Sports F1 pundit made a comment that painted Max in a bad light. Ted accused him of ‘robbing’ Mercedes star, Lewis Hamilton of his 8th title.
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Max Verstappen exclaimed that it was rather disrespectful what had been going on all season on live television. He then decided to boycott the channel. He explained that there is only so much a person can take and that he ‘doesn’t accept it’.
McLaren’s Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, despite being competitors, are good pals in person. The two are said to be very close. Lando was present for Max Verstappen’s 25th birthday bash and even the celebration of his second title. Moreover, Norris and Verstappen have always spoken highly of each other.
To prove further, Lando was seen standing up for his mate back at the Mexican Grand Prix whilst he was being interviewed by Ted Kravitz post the race. Ted seemingly questioned Norris about why he slipped from P8 to P10 at the beginning of the race.
To this Norris stated that it was only just ‘two positions.’ Ted pushed further, as he claimed that it wasn’t ‘optimal’.
To this, Norris was quick to respond. He said, “You should try driving mate.”
As the Sky Sports controversy continues to grow, Max sheds some light on how these unwanted jibes made him feel.
Why did Max Verstappen boycott Sky Sports F1?
Back at the race in Austin, Ted Kravitz made a bold statement post the Dutch Lion’s win. He stated that the Dutchman had robbed Sir Lewis Hamilton‘s 8th F1 title.
He said, “[Lewis] finally comes back at a track where he could win the first race all year, battling the same guy who won the race he was robbed in the previous year, and manages to finish ahead of him. What a script and a story that would have been. But that’s not the way the script turned out, was it?”
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As the Dutchman and his team officially boycotted the platform post the incident, he explained, “It had nothing to do with this weekend. But this year, it’s been a constant. Kind of like digging, being disrespectful, especially one particular person. And at one point it’s enough you know? I don’t accept it.”
As per the latest developments, Horner recently came out to say that they will no longer boycott Sky Sports and everything will basically go back to normal from the next race.
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Well, Boycott or no, Max Verstappen didn’t hesitate to point out toxic media practices. Moreover, the Dutchman wasn’t alone as his entire team, and friends like Norris, had his back. But who was in the wrong here? Should Kravitz not have made those comments? Or was it too much from Verstappen and co. to boycott Sky Sports for the actions of their broadcaster?