Verstappen bias claim shut down: 'Champions like winging'

There have been claims from the Duchman that the British media, in particular, have been biased against him and Red Bull Racing, with the Austrian team boycotting the British broadcaster for a Grand Prix weekend in 2022 due to comments made about the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

More comments from Verstappen came after his sublime win at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, a race that saw the 27-year-old all but seal his fourth world title. Verstappen joked that the British media "had to run to the airport", such was the lack of journalists in the post-race press conference.

However, six-time Grand Prix winner Patrese is quick to disagree with what the Dutchman has said previously about there being some bias.

“Let’s say that, you know, no, I don’t agree with him because of his passport," the Italian said in conversation with a betting site, harking back to when Verstappen claimed he had the wrong passport.

The 71-year-old continued on to say that throughout the history of F1, world champions have always had a tendency to complain a little bit more compared to other drivers on the grid.

"Sometimes with these rules, he doesn’t agree, but I don’t think it’s because he’s Dutch instead of English. Champions usually like winging a little bit. I know very well it’s because I had Nigel [Mansell] in the team, and he was winging all the time,” Patrese concluded.