Adrian Newey has openly criticised the role of the “British media” in Formula 1.
Newey himself is British and he has designed all of his championship-winning cars in the UK – and early next year he is moving from Red Bull, based in Milton Keynes, to Aston Martin in Silverstone.
However, Newey argues that British journalists and media outlets are often unfair in their treatment of key figures in the paddock who are not British.
“From the outside I’m not sure people fully appreciate and understand Max (Verstappen), just like they didn’t with Sebastian (Vettel),” Newey said on the High Performance podcast.
“Because, first of all, there’s a sort of demonisation that both of them suffered at times which I think is very unfair. Maybe that’s also a little bit of the British media, if I’m honest.”
Newey also expressed frustration with how the British broadcaster Sky covers Formula 1 races.
“Sky have a huge influence around the world,” he stated. “Their viewing is truly international but their coverage is quite nationalistic, dare I say, and that can have an influence.”
“It’s this thing that now with journalism typically, there is that trend to sort of either put people on a pedestal or knock them down.”
When asked about four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, Newey addressed the possibility of the retired German making a return to F1 next season with Audi-owned Sauber.
“Sebastian called me recently,” Newey revealed. “He is currently travelling through Norway in his motorhome. Personally, I don’t see a comeback. He is enjoying his life.”
“He has left racing behind and is now doing other things – good for him,” Newey concluded.