Adrian Newey criticizes Sky Sports for Verstappen coverage

Adrian Newey has publicly criticized Sky Sports and the British media for their treatment of Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel, both of whom have faced negative portrayals. Newey, who has a long history of designing championship-winning cars for Red Bull, Williams, and McLaren, believes that the media's coverage has been unfairly biased against these drivers. He specifically pointed out that Verstappen has been subjected to jeers from fans, particularly at the British Grand Prix, which he attributes to the media's influence. Newey's comments come after he signed a lucrative five-year contract with Aston Martin, which could earn him up to £30 million annually. This deal was announced in a manner typically reserved for major driver signings, highlighting its significance. The relationship between Red Bull and Sky Sports has been strained, particularly after a controversial remark made by pitlane reporter Ted Kravitz regarding the 2021 drivers' title, which Verstappen won amid contentious circumstances. The criticism of Sky Sports extends to their perceived nationalistic approach to F1 coverage, which Newey argues can skew public perception. He believes that both Verstappen and Vettel have been unfairly demonized, suggesting that the British media's bias plays a role in shaping negative opinions about them. Looking ahead, there are rumors that Verstappen could potentially join Aston Martin in 2026, coinciding with new F1 regulations. Although he is currently contracted to Red Bull until 2028, speculation about possible exit clauses has emerged, indicating that the dynamics of driver contracts in F1 remain fluid and subject to change.