World champion Max Verstappen says his boycott of Sky Sports is over.
Verstappen and his entire Red Bull team – including Christian Horner – refused to speak to broadcasters at the Mexican Grand Prix two weeks ago.
Her unprecedented stance comes a week after Sky Sports pit correspondent Ted Kravitz said Lewis Hamilton was « snatched » by an eighth world title last year.
In Mexico City
Verstappen accused Sky Sports of being « disrespectful » and « living in the past ».
But after talks between the two sides ahead of the penultimate round of the Brazilian season this weekend, Verstappen confirmed that both his and Red Bull’s silence will end.
« We’ve drawn a line under it
We’re going to move on and I’m looking forward to it, » Verstappen, 25, said in Interlagos on Thursday.
The São Paulo circuit in Interlagos hosts the third and final sprint of the Formula 1 season, with the first practice set to take place on Friday.
Next comes qualifying
Which determines the starting line for Saturday’s sprint race. The final position for Saturday’s race determines the grid position for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
F1 bosses will double the format from three to six next season – the venue will be announced in the coming weeks.
They’re also considering making it a stand-alone event rather than tying it into Sunday’s main event, with a view to adding more action.
But Verstappen said
« I’m just not a big fan of it because I don’t feel like we’re really playing.
« You know you can’t really risk it because you get points in the main race.
« You’re not going to pit
So you just put on your distance tires. You don’t really see much overtaking unless the car is out of position. I really don’t like that. »
Last time out
Verstappen clinched his 14th win of the season, putting himself ahead of Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel as the driver with the most wins in a single season.
Verstappen clinched the title last year by beating Lewis Hamilton
Whose underperforming Mercedes in 2022 has yet to hit the mark.
Reflecting on his rival’s insistence on the campaign
Hamilton said: « I can’t say I have time to look at every aspect of what Max has done this year, but he has done a fantastic job.
« He did everything he had to do
The team gave him a great car and he delivered almost every weekend.
« He can be proud of his work
I know what it’s like to be in that position. He has a chance to win more games, so if we can’t stop him, he can take that record a step further. »
💡 Resources and references
« independent.co.uk » by Max Verstappen Ends Sky Sports boycott after « disrespectful » comments.