Nico Rosberg 'complaints made to Sky Sports' over behaviour towards Max Verstappen's dad

Sky Sports have received complaints from F1 insiders about Nico Rosberg's behaviour towards Jos Verstappen, according to reports. Rosberg is a regular member of the presenting team, often appearing at race weekends to provide analysis. He also conducts post-race interviews and occasionally features on the grid before the five red lights go out.

Earlier this year, Rosberg interviewed Max Verstappen's father Jos during the build-up to the Belgian Grand Prix. It was the first race weekend since Red Bull relieved Christian Horner of his duties and replaced him with Laurent Mekies. The elder Verstappen was a vocal critic of Horner during his time in the paddock and Rosberg was eager to get his reaction.

He confronted the Dutchman about his comments on Horner, saying: "Last year, you said Horner needs to go because he's destroying the team." Verstappen, however, was quick to shut down the line of questioning as the interview turned frosty.

"That was one-and-a-half years ago," said the 53-year-old. "It's different. I have nothing to say. It's fine." Rosberg then said: "Now you are quiet," to which Verstappen replied: "I'm always quiet."

Rosberg's treatment of Verstappen has been met with considerable frustration in the F1 paddock, according to GPBlog. The report states that some people have complained to Sky Sports with Rosberg's conduct described as 'unacceptable'.

There are also questions about whether Rosberg should have been on the grid in the first place. Martin Brundle is usually the go-to reporter for grid walks and was in attendance for the Belgian Grand Prix.

Teams being left frustrated with Sky Sports is nothing new in F1. Three years ago, Red Bull were unhappy with the broadcaster's coverage of Max Verstappen and boycotted them during that year's Mexican Grand Prix.

Aston Martin have also reportedly been left furious with Sky Sports Germany over what they perceive as repeated negative coverage.

They are refusing to give interviews to the channel, having turned down a number of requests during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.

Sky Sports wanted to speak with Aston Martin's chief trackside officer Mike Krack but were blocked from doing so, according to Bild. They were also keen to interview team owner Lawrence Stroll but he rejected a conversation live on air.

Explaining to their viewers, regular analyst Ralf Schumacher said: "I know they're not giving us any more interviews because they don't like us that much at the moment."

Co-pundit Peter Hardenacke was quick to provide further context, adding: "We were a bit too critical of the people at Aston Martin."

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