Jeremy Clarkson, never one to mince words, has been a vocal critic of the current state of Formula 1 racing. From the changing behaviors of drivers to the challenges posed by modern media obligations, Clarkson’s commentaries have sparked significant debates within the F1 community. In this article, we explore ten instances where Clarkson’s critiques resonated, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of the sport through the eyes of one of its most outspoken commentators.
10. Lewis Hamilton: From “Hero to Zero” in China
In March 2025, Clarkson took aim at Hamilton following his rollercoaster Chinese Grand Prix performance. After Hamilton dominated the sprint race, Clarkson was baffled by his disqualification in the main event, writing: “To go from hero to zero at the same track? On the same day? It makes no sense.” Hamilton’s Ferrari was ultimately disqualified for excessive skid block wear.
9. Max Verstappen: The Controversial Japanese Grand Prix Winner
Max Verstappen’s 2025 Japanese Grand Prix victory stirred debate after a dramatic pit exit clash with Lando Norris. Despite claims of forceful driving, Verstappen kept his win and closed to just one point behind Norris in the standings. Clarkson has often called out such aggressive moves online, fueling fan arguments.
8. Ferrari Drivers: Disqualification Drama in Shanghai
Ferrari’s Shanghai nightmare peaked when both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were disqualified post-race in 2025. Leclerc’s car was 1kg under the minimum weight, while Hamilton’s suffered excessive skid plank wear. Their double DSQ cost Ferrari crucial points, drawing widespread online criticism—including from Jeremy Clarkson.
7. F1 Drivers Forced Into Excessive Media Duties
Clarkson recently blasted F1’s media requirements, claiming drivers spend “three hours a week driving and three hundred hours being interviewed.” He joked he’d deliberately finish fourth to avoid these obligations, lamenting that the constant coverage has stripped away drivers’ mystique. Verstappen has also been notably more reserved with media in 2025, perhaps sharing similar sentiments.
6. Drivers on Tracks Where Overtaking Is Difficult
Jeremy Clarkson has never held back on blasting F1 events at tracks notorious for processional races. Circuits like Hungaroring and Monza continue to frustrate drivers and fans alike, with narrow layouts and limited passing zones making overtaking nearly impossible. Clarkson’s ire often surfaces online after dull, pole-dominated races at such venues.
5. Modern F1 Drivers vs. The James Hunt Era
Jeremy Clarkson has repeatedly lamented that today’s F1 drivers lack the wild charisma of legends like James Hunt. He blames relentless media obligations and Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” for making current stars “PR robots,” stripping away the unruly mystique that once defined the sport’s personalities.
4. Drivers’ Behavior Change Due to Netflix’s Drive To Survive
Netflix’s Drive To Survive has significantly altered how F1 drivers present themselves on camera. Since its 2019 debut, drivers have become more conscious of their public image, with some even admitting to performing for the cameras. Season 7 (released March 2025) highlights this evolution, particularly capturing tensions between championship rivals Norris and Verstappen.
3. Older Drivers Past Their Prime
Jeremy Clarkson has often critiqued older F1 drivers, claiming the sport loses its legendary “mystique” when veterans linger past their competitive peak. He argues that in today’s era, aging stars face relentless media scrutiny, exposing their every move and stripping away the aura that once surrounded fading champions.
2. Liam Lawson: The “Mistake” Replacement
Promoted to Red Bull alongside Verstappen in early 2025 after impressing at Racing Bulls, Lawson’s dream quickly turned into a nightmare. After dismal performances in Australia and China, he was unceremoniously demoted back to Racing Bulls after just two races, with Tsunoda taking his seat. Most shocking was how Lawson reportedly learned of his demotion—through social media rather than from team management.
1. Drivers Stuck in “PR Mode” During Interviews
Clarkson recently lambasted Formula 1 drivers for losing their “mystique” due to excessive media obligations. He specifically criticized how drivers now switch to “PR mode” when seeing Netflix microphones, particularly noting behavior changes in the latest “Drive to Survive” season. The former Top Gear host claimed he’d deliberately finish fourth to avoid post-race interviews if he were an F1 driver.
Conclusion:
As Formula 1 continues to evolve, driven by changing technologies, media dynamics, and cultural shifts, the critiques offered by personalities like Jeremy Clarkson highlight the growing pains experienced by the sport. Whether it’s through the lens of media obligations, the character of drivers, or the influence of popular shows like Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive,’ these discussions underscore important tensions and transformations. Though Clarkson’s views are often polarizing, they serve to remind us of the storied past of F1 while urging reflection on its future path.
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