Newey SLAMS Sky Sports over Verstappen 'demonisation'

Adrian Newey has hit out at Sky Sports over their ongoing treatment of Red Bull star Max Verstappen.

The defending Formula 1 champion is embroiled in a fierce battle with British counterpart Lando Norris this season for the world championship, with the pair set to renew their rivalry at this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.

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Despite holding a 62-point advantage over the McLaren driver, Verstappen has failed to win any of his last seven races, and has shown signs that the pressure has got to him.

The Dutchman has come in for some criticism for the way he has dealt with a number of setbacks this season, and now his Red Bull colleague Newey has revealed people's perception of the reigning champion can be misleading.

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Verstappen treatment 'very unfair'

Newey's comments come just days after he ended months of speculation over his future by sealing a stunning move to Aston Martin following his shock resignation from Red Bull earlier this season.

Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, the 65-year-old slammed some quarters of the media - including British broadcaster Sky Sports - for their 'demonisation' of the drivers' championship leader, suggesting that they have previously displayed bias.

With Norris joined by fellow Brits Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at the top end the grid, Newey admitted Sky's coverage could often be 'nationalistic' given their backing of their home drivers.

When asked if he would ever talk to Verstappen about the criticism he receives, Newey said: "A little bit, but Max is his own man - he's incredibly mature, rounded and philosophical.

"From the outside, I'm not sure people fully appreciate and understand Max, just like they didn't with Sebastian [Vettel].

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"There's a sort of demonisation that both of them have suffered at times which I think is very unfair.

"And maybe that's also a little bit of the British media, if I'm honest. Sky have a huge influence around the world.

"[But] their viewing figures or viewing isn't 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, there is that trend to either put people on a pedestal or knock them down."

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