Sky Sports set to diffuse tension with Red Bull team

40

Sky Sports is set to clear the air with Red Bull after the British broadcaster was snubbed by Max Verstappen's team at the Mexican Grand Prix.

The reigning world champion and his team gave Sky F1's anchors the cold shoulder last time out at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez to protest what they felt were derogatory comments made by Ted Kravitz in Austin.

In his post-US Grand Prix traditional 'Notebook' segment, Kravitz referred to last year's disputed showdown at Yas Marina as an event where Lewis Hamilton was "robbed" of the 2021 world championship.

Read also:

Verstappen: Sky F1 boycott fueled by 'constant' disrespect

In Mexico, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said that his team had opted to "take a break" from Sky F1 for the weekend, the Briton encouraging the broadcaster to better "balance" its commentary in the future.

But according to the Daily Mail, Sky Sports boss Billy McGinty is due to meet with Red Bull at Milton Keynes on Monday to iron out the creases in the relationship between the two parties.

All communication and public relations between the latter are expected to be back to normal next weekend in Brazil.

On a lighter note, in Las Vegas on Saturday, at Formula 1's launch party attended by Mercedes' George Russell and Red Bull's Sergio Perez, the Briton took the mickey out of Sky F1 anchor David Croft just as the latter appeared to direct a question towards Perez.

"Sorry, are you allowed to ask Red Bull drivers questions, Crofty?" intervened a facetious Russell.

“Yes, I am tonight," replied Sky's top F1 man. "I’ve got special permission, so don’t start on me!"

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.