In what has become a recurring theme in the high-stakes world of Formula 1, the relationship between Sky Sports and reigning world champion Max Verstappen appears to be under renewed strain. The most recent flashpoint came during the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, where Sky Sports commentators once again questioned the Dutchman’s actions — this time during a high-speed pit lane exit against Lando Norris.

The moment, which saw Norris forced onto the grass as he exited the pits alongside Verstappen, drew immediate reaction from Sky pundits, who wondered aloud why Verstappen wasn’t penalized. Despite the FIA deeming the incident a racing non-event, Sky Sports continued to push the narrative of potential wrongdoing. To Verstappen’s fans — and even some neutral observers — the criticism felt more like bias than balanced journalism.

This isn’t the first time Sky Sports has clashed with the Red Bull driver. The tensions began to surface more publicly in 2022, when Sky presenter Ted Kravitz made repeated references to Lewis Hamilton being “robbed” of the 2021 title. The comment, made during coverage of the Mexican Grand Prix, directly questioned the legitimacy of Verstappen’s championship win and provoked a full-on boycott of Sky Sports by both Verstappen and Red Bull Racing.

At the time, Verstappen said, “This year it’s been a constant kind of digging and being disrespectful, especially from one particular person.” The boycott lasted until the next race weekend in Brazil, but the resentment has clearly lingered.

Over the seasons, Sky Sports — a British-based broadcaster headquartered in Isleworth, London — has developed a reputation among international fans for leaning heavily into narratives favoring British drivers, particularly Lewis Hamilton and, more recently, Lando Norris. This trend has not gone unnoticed, especially given the increasing success of non-British talents like Verstappen, who has dominated the sport with clinical consistency.

In the Japan incident, Norris was praised for his daring, while Verstappen was scrutinized for “closing the door” — despite the FIA confirming he remained in the designated fast lane, as per the regulations. The same commentators who lauded aggressive moves by British drivers in the past now seemed quick to frame Verstappen’s defensive driving as controversial.

The question must be asked: is Sky Sports holding Verstappen to a different standard?

Critics argue that this pattern undermines the network’s journalistic integrity. A broadcaster of Sky’s stature has a responsibility to maintain objectivity, particularly in a sport as globally followed as Formula 1. When the commentary consistently tilts in favor of British drivers — while casting suspicion on the actions of their competitors — it creates not only a credibility issue, but a cultural one. F1 is no longer a dominantly British sport. It is global, diverse, and increasingly scrutinized by a discerning audience.

Verstappen, for his part, has learned to take the criticism in stride — but he’s not afraid to call it out. “I just want fair coverage,” he said during a previous media exchange. “You can be critical, but you also need to be respectful and consistent.”

Fans and pundits alike are now asking whether Sky Sports, in its current form, can offer that balance — or whether it has become too emotionally entangled in its own national allegiances.

As Formula 1 continues to evolve into a truly international spectacle, perhaps it’s time for its leading broadcasters to evolve too — and remember that fair commentary doesn’t wear a flag.