The war of words between Formula 1 legends past and present shows no signs of abating, as 1996 world champion Damon Hill has refused to retract his stinging criticism of current superstar Max Verstappen’s driving tactics. The verbal sparring erupted after last weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, where Verstappen found himself in hot water with the stewards for his robust defense against McLaren rival Lando Norris.
Hill, now a respected pundit for Sky Sports, did not mince words in his assessment of the Dutchman’s on-track conduct, accusing him of wielding his Red Bull machine as a weapon and engaging in “Dick Dastardly” antics – a reference to the notorious cartoon villain renowned for his underhanded scheming. Unsurprisingly, Verstappen was quick to dismiss the critique, pointing to his trio of world titles as proof that he knows exactly what he’s doing behind the wheel.
Intimidation Tactics Under Fire
Undeterred by Verstappen’s dismissive retort, Hill doubled down on his stance when quizzed by reporters at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. “Yes, I do,” he affirmed emphatically. “I think he’s using fear and intimidation.” The Briton went on to suggest that the Red Bull ace views his aggressive approach as a calculated gamble, one that pays dividends often enough to be worth the occasional sanction from the powers that be.
Hill argued that Verstappen’s uncompromising style has been a hallmark of his Formula 1 career from day one, with the Dutchman routinely employing tactics that many regard as dangerous and unsportsmanlike. Far from a personal vendetta, Hill insists that his criticism reflects a widespread unease among fans and pundits alike.
It’s not individuals. It’s almost universal disapproval. That’s the point. It’s not a vendetta against Max, it’s simply the people who watch the racing want it to be conducted in a reasonable and fair way.
– Damon Hill
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, as ever, leaped to his driver’s defense, describing the first of Verstappen’s two penalties in Mexico as “very harsh” while conceding that the second was justified. Horner characterized his star driver’s uncompromising approach as an intrinsic part of his racing DNA, honed over two decades of competition.
The Gloves Are Off
As the Formula 1 circus rolls into Sao Paulo for the penultimate round of this enthralling season, the spotlight is firmly fixed on the brewing animosity between Verstappen and his detractors. With the Dutchman’s once-commanding championship lead over Norris steadily evaporating, the pressure is mounting on both sides of the garage.
Will Verstappen heed the criticism and rein in his aggressive instincts, or will he double down on the take-no-prisoners approach that has carried him to the cusp of a third successive world title? One thing is for sure: with the gloves well and truly off between the Red Bull ace and his critics, the stage is set for a blockbuster finale to this unforgettable Formula 1 season.
Hill argued that Verstappen’s uncompromising style has been a hallmark of his Formula 1 career from day one, with the Dutchman routinely employing tactics that many regard as dangerous and unsportsmanlike. Far from a personal vendetta, Hill insists that his criticism reflects a widespread unease among fans and pundits alike.
It’s not individuals. It’s almost universal disapproval. That’s the point. It’s not a vendetta against Max, it’s simply the people who watch the racing want it to be conducted in a reasonable and fair way.
– Damon Hill
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, as ever, leaped to his driver’s defense, describing the first of Verstappen’s two penalties in Mexico as “very harsh” while conceding that the second was justified. Horner characterized his star driver’s uncompromising approach as an intrinsic part of his racing DNA, honed over two decades of competition.
The Gloves Are Off
As the Formula 1 circus rolls into Sao Paulo for the penultimate round of this enthralling season, the spotlight is firmly fixed on the brewing animosity between Verstappen and his detractors. With the Dutchman’s once-commanding championship lead over Norris steadily evaporating, the pressure is mounting on both sides of the garage.
Will Verstappen heed the criticism and rein in his aggressive instincts, or will he double down on the take-no-prisoners approach that has carried him to the cusp of a third successive world title? One thing is for sure: with the gloves well and truly off between the Red Bull ace and his critics, the stage is set for a blockbuster finale to this unforgettable Formula 1 season.
While acknowledging Verstappen’s prodigious talent and racing instincts, Hill questioned whether his tactics crossed the line of fairness and sporting integrity. “As he says, he knows what he’s doing,” the 61-year-old conceded, “but is it right? And is it fair?” For Hill, the answer is an unequivocal no. “We shouldn’t be condoning driving cars off the track.”
Consistency and Controversy
Hill argued that Verstappen’s uncompromising style has been a hallmark of his Formula 1 career from day one, with the Dutchman routinely employing tactics that many regard as dangerous and unsportsmanlike. Far from a personal vendetta, Hill insists that his criticism reflects a widespread unease among fans and pundits alike.
It’s not individuals. It’s almost universal disapproval. That’s the point. It’s not a vendetta against Max, it’s simply the people who watch the racing want it to be conducted in a reasonable and fair way.
– Damon Hill
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, as ever, leaped to his driver’s defense, describing the first of Verstappen’s two penalties in Mexico as “very harsh” while conceding that the second was justified. Horner characterized his star driver’s uncompromising approach as an intrinsic part of his racing DNA, honed over two decades of competition.
The Gloves Are Off
As the Formula 1 circus rolls into Sao Paulo for the penultimate round of this enthralling season, the spotlight is firmly fixed on the brewing animosity between Verstappen and his detractors. With the Dutchman’s once-commanding championship lead over Norris steadily evaporating, the pressure is mounting on both sides of the garage.
Will Verstappen heed the criticism and rein in his aggressive instincts, or will he double down on the take-no-prisoners approach that has carried him to the cusp of a third successive world title? One thing is for sure: with the gloves well and truly off between the Red Bull ace and his critics, the stage is set for a blockbuster finale to this unforgettable Formula 1 season.
While acknowledging Verstappen’s prodigious talent and racing instincts, Hill questioned whether his tactics crossed the line of fairness and sporting integrity. “As he says, he knows what he’s doing,” the 61-year-old conceded, “but is it right? And is it fair?” For Hill, the answer is an unequivocal no. “We shouldn’t be condoning driving cars off the track.”
Consistency and Controversy
Hill argued that Verstappen’s uncompromising style has been a hallmark of his Formula 1 career from day one, with the Dutchman routinely employing tactics that many regard as dangerous and unsportsmanlike. Far from a personal vendetta, Hill insists that his criticism reflects a widespread unease among fans and pundits alike.
It’s not individuals. It’s almost universal disapproval. That’s the point. It’s not a vendetta against Max, it’s simply the people who watch the racing want it to be conducted in a reasonable and fair way.
– Damon Hill
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, as ever, leaped to his driver’s defense, describing the first of Verstappen’s two penalties in Mexico as “very harsh” while conceding that the second was justified. Horner characterized his star driver’s uncompromising approach as an intrinsic part of his racing DNA, honed over two decades of competition.
The Gloves Are Off
As the Formula 1 circus rolls into Sao Paulo for the penultimate round of this enthralling season, the spotlight is firmly fixed on the brewing animosity between Verstappen and his detractors. With the Dutchman’s once-commanding championship lead over Norris steadily evaporating, the pressure is mounting on both sides of the garage.
Will Verstappen heed the criticism and rein in his aggressive instincts, or will he double down on the take-no-prisoners approach that has carried him to the cusp of a third successive world title? One thing is for sure: with the gloves well and truly off between the Red Bull ace and his critics, the stage is set for a blockbuster finale to this unforgettable Formula 1 season.
