This is something I would like to ask those who comment on the F1 preseason. Yesterday, the BBC’s F1 website published an article titled “Rookie Nico Hulkenberg outshines Fernando Alonso.”
The highly publicized Lewis Hamilton also participated in that day’s test, along with Michael Schumacher. Now, I don’t think it’s necessary to insult people’s intelligence by reiterating that both Hamilton and Schumacher are world champions, with the latter widely regarded as the greatest of all time.
However, the editorial team did not feel it was appropriate to title the article “Rookie Nico Hulkenberg outshines Michael Schumacher.” And a headline like “Rookie Nico Hulkenberg outshines Lewis Hamilton” would have also been correct.
So, my question is really simple: what is the reason behind the BBC’s bias in F1 reporting against Alonso? Is it due to his, fortunately, brief stint at McLaren? Or is it related to the nature of his funding (British taxpayers)? Undoubtedly, Hulkenberg outshone everyone that day. Why did the editors find it suitable to choose one name over all the others?