Lewis Hamilton Slams F1 Media Bias: Criticizes Double Standards in…..read more
Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has come out swinging ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, expressing his frustration with what he perceives as glaring double standards in the media coverage of F1 drivers, using Max Verstappen as a key example. The British racing icon is no stranger to media scrutiny, but this time, Hamilton feels the narrative around him has been unfairly exaggerated compared to the treatment of other top drivers.
The controversy stems from the Australian Grand Prix, where Hamilton endured a challenging weekend with his new Ferrari team. During the race, several of his team radio messages were broadcast, revealing a somewhat tense exchange between Hamilton and his race engineer, Riccardo Adami. The messages, which circulated widely, portrayed Hamilton as frustrated and irritable. However, speaking to Sky Sports F1 ahead of the next race in China, Hamilton defended his communication style, stating that the coverage has been blown out of proportion.
Hamilton clarified that his tone during the Australian GP was firm but respectful, saying, “I mean, naturally, everyone over-egged. It was literally just a back-and-forth.” The seven-time World Champion emphasized that he remained composed throughout the exchange, contrary to how it was portrayed. “I was very polite in how I had suggested it. I said ‘leave it to me, please.’ I wasn’t saying ‘f*** you’. I wasn’t swearing,” Hamilton explained, clearly frustrated with the way his radio messages were spun by sections of the media.
The British driver revealed that, at the time, he was deeply focused on managing his car’s issues, which contributed to the straightforward tone of his messages. “At that point, I was really struggling with the car, and I needed full focus on these couple of things,” Hamilton said. He also implied that such exchanges are a normal part of a high-pressure environment like Formula 1, where split-second decisions can make or break a race.
What appears to have annoyed Hamilton even more is how similar, or even more heated, radio exchanges from his rival Max Verstappen tend to be downplayed by the media. While Hamilton did not directly quote specific examples from Verstappen, his comments suggest that he believes Verstappen’s team radio moments are often treated with far less criticism or scrutiny.
This is not the first time Hamilton has spoken about feeling singled out by the F1 media or other stakeholders in the sport. Over the years, Hamilton has been vocal about perceived inconsistencies in how drivers are treated, whether it comes to penalties, controversies, or media narratives.
Hamilton’s comments ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix are likely to spark further debate among fans and pundits alike. Verstappen, the current reigning World Champion, has also been known for fiery radio messages and candid conversations with his Red Bull Racing team, yet, according to Hamilton, those moments do not attract the same level of media attention or backlash.
The situation highlights a broader conversation about how drivers’ actions and words are interpreted differently depending on their reputations, rivalries, and media relationships. Hamilton, a figure who has consistently been in the spotlight both on and off the track, feels the focus is disproportionate when it comes to his conduct compared to Verstappen’s.
As Hamilton gears up for the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, all eyes will be on how he bounces back from a tough race in Melbourne. Ferrari, still adjusting to Hamilton’s presence and working through their own performance issues, will be hoping to show signs of progress. However, with the media narrative now adding an extra layer of pressure, Hamilton’s ability to stay composed and deliver on the track will be critical.
The debate over media treatment of F1’s biggest stars is unlikely to fade soon, and Hamilton’s latest remarks will only add fuel to the ongoing rivalry between himself and Verstappen—one that has captivated motorsport fans around the world.
