UK F1 media bias claims flare after Bortoleto’s Hungary heroics

Allegations of clear bias in British Formula 1 coverage have resurfaced, with rookie Gabriel Bortoleto’s strong performances drawing little attention from the UK’s primary broadcaster.

Fernando Alonso, whose management company represents the Sauber newcomer, hailed his drive to sixth in Hungary but questioned the disparity in media reaction.

“If he was English or something and finished sixth for Sauber, he’d be on the front page of all the papers,” Alonso said.

Australian F1 photographer Kym Illman compiled statistics from the Sky Sports UK commentary during the Belgian Grand Prix.

Lando Norris led the tally with 106 mentions, followed by Oscar Piastri on 88, Lewis Hamilton on 58 despite an unremarkable showing, and Max Verstappen with just 54. Bortoleto, despite another competitive weekend, ranked second-last with only eight mentions.

Veteran Dutch commentator Olav Mol backed Alonso’s criticism on Ziggo Sport’s De Stamtafel show. “He’s absolutely right,” Mol said. “(Charles) Leclerc’s pole position wasn’t shown at all. Only in a small frame, because those English people are like, ‘Lando this, Lando that’.” He added: “It’s up to them. It’s their choice, that’s up to them.”

Fellow pundit Jack Plooij felt the Brazilian rookie merited more recognition. “Right now, he’s head and shoulders above the rest,” he said.

Illman’s data also indicated that Dutch outlet Viaplay and Sky Italia offered more balanced coverage, with Bortoleto receiving twice as many mentions on Viaplay compared to the Sky UK feed.