# **F1 Pundit Breaks Silence After Losing Second Job Amid Max Verstappen Row – Fires Parting Shot at Reigning World Champion**
**London, January 29, 2025** – The ongoing controversy surrounding three-time Formula 1 world champion **Max Verstappen** has taken another dramatic turn as a prominent F1 pundit, who recently lost his second job in the aftermath of a heated row, has finally spoken out. The analyst, who has been at the center of a stormy media feud with Verstappen, did not hold back in his parting remarks, taking a final swipe at the Red Bull driver while defending his own stance.
### **Background of the Feud**
The dispute stems from a series of critical comments made by the pundit—whose name is being withheld due to legal concerns—regarding Verstappen’s aggressive racing style, attitude toward team dynamics, and controversial radio outbursts during the 2024 F1 season. The pundit, who had been working for a leading international broadcaster as well as a major motorsport publication, had repeatedly questioned Verstappen’s sportsmanship, particularly in his clashes with teammate **Sergio Pérez** and his outspoken views on F1 regulations.
The situation escalated when Verstappen publicly called out the pundit during a press conference at the **Abu Dhabi Grand Prix**, labeling him as “consistently biased” and “disrespectful” toward his achievements in the sport. The comment sparked a social media firestorm, with Verstappen’s loyal fanbase bombarding the pundit with criticism.
As tensions grew, the analyst found himself under mounting pressure from employers, leading to the termination of his contract with both the TV network and the motorsport publication.
### **Pundit Breaks His Silence**
Now, after weeks of speculation and silence, the pundit has finally addressed the controversy, refusing to back down from his original remarks. In a strongly worded statement posted on social media, he defended his journalistic integrity and suggested that Verstappen’s dominance in F1 had made him **“untouchable”** in the eyes of Red Bull and certain media outlets.
*”It’s unfortunate that in today’s world, honest critique is seen as an attack rather than analysis,”* he wrote. *”I have always been fair in my assessments of drivers, including Max, but it seems that some figures in F1 cannot handle constructive criticism. I stand by everything I have said. Losing two jobs over this only proves how much power certain individuals and teams have over the narrative of this sport.”*
The pundit also took a **final parting shot at Verstappen**, accusing him of **lacking humility** despite his success.
*”Max Verstappen is undoubtedly one of the most talented drivers of this generation, but true greatness is measured not just by titles, but by character. Many of the legends who came before him—Senna, Schumacher, Hamilton—had their controversies, but they also had the ability to rise above criticism with grace. I hope, for the sake of the sport, that he learns to do the same.”*
### **Reaction from the F1 Community**
The remarks have sparked a fresh wave of debate within the F1 community. While Verstappen’s fans have continued to defend their driver, some fellow journalists and pundits have expressed concerns about media freedom in Formula 1.
One prominent F1 journalist weighed in, saying:
*”Regardless of whether you agree with the pundit’s take, it’s troubling to see someone lose their job for speaking their mind. F1 has always been a sport of strong opinions—if we start silencing dissent, we risk losing the very discussions that make the sport compelling.”*
Others, however, believe the pundit may have gone too far with his critiques and that his dismissal was justified.
A former F1 team principal commented:
*”When you’re in a position of influence, you have to be responsible with your words. Critique is one thing, but constant negativity towards a single driver can start to feel like a personal vendetta. Max has every right to defend himself.”*
### **Verstappen’s Camp Remains Silent**
As of now, neither **Max Verstappen** nor **Red Bull Racing** have responded to the pundit’s latest statement. The Dutchman is currently focused on preparations for the **2025 F1 season**, where he will aim to defend his world championship amid growing competition from rivals like **Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris**.
With pre-season testing just around the corner, the controversy is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Whether Verstappen will choose to address the matter publicly or let his performances on the track do the talking remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: the debate surrounding the power dynamics in Formula 1, media independence, and the treatment of outspoken pundits is far from over.
