Red Bull took the bold decision in Mexico to join Max Verstappen in boycotting all interviews, following the Dutchman’s disproval of comments made by pundit Ted Kravitz.
‘Ted’s Notebook’ is one of the most anticipated parts of Sky Sports’ weekend coverage, with Kravitz compiling a list of talking points about the session that has just occurred, and walking around the paddock talking about whatever he chooses.
In Austin however the pundit was accused by Red Bull of being disrespectful to the team, claiming that Verstappen had robbed Lewis Hamilton of last year’s world title, and suggesting that it would be the perfect narrative if the Brit could beat his 2021 rival on race day.
Everyone at Red Bull stood in support of Verstappen, with all staff members, including Sergio Perez, refusing to speak with the broadcasting giants in Mexico, which team principal Christian Horner has now confirmed will be a one off.
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Since the boycott, Sky Sport’s have reportedly sent their Formula 1 Director Billy McGinty to the Red Bull factory in an attempt to smooth over what has happened, and make try to restore a working relationship between the two behemoths of F1.
Kravitx himself has kept quiet about the whole situation, not mentioning the boycott while in Mexico, but he has now spoken out about his relationship with Verstappen.
During his ‘Ted’s Notebook’ segment following qualifying in Brazil, where Verstappen took P2, the 48-year-old suggested that the pair have had a conversation about the incident.
“Just following up from what happened with us and me and Max Verstappen in Mexico,” he started to say during his live coverage.
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“Listen, we sat down, we had a good chat but, as Max said yesterday, we’ve drawn a line on it so, onwards and upwards.”
Verstappen was shocking beaten by the Haas of Kevin Magnussen in Q3 on Friday, after Dane ensured that he got a quick lap time on the board on the soft tyres before the rain increased, helped out by a red flag caused by George Russell.
The Dutchman will be hoping to quickly dispatch of the Haas driver in the sprint race, and start the main even on Sunday from pole position as he looks to add yet another win to a mind blowing season.