Damon Hill stands firm in criticism of Max Verstappen's driving tactics

Damon Hill refuses to back down on Max Verstappen criticism

Retired world champion Damon Hill intensified his criticism of Max Verstappen on Friday at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, just a day after the Red Bull driver dismissed Hill's earlier comments about his driving style.

When asked if he stood by his remarks, Hill, the 1996 world champion and current Sky Sports pundit, resolutely affirmed, "Yes, I do. I think he's using fear and intimidation."

The controversy began after last Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix when Hill accused Verstappen of using his car as a weapon, likening his tactics to the "Dick Dastardly stuff" from the 1960s 'Wacky Races' cartoon.

In response, Verstappen, a three-time world champion, defended his racing approach, stating he knew what he was doing and refused to heed "very annoying" critics seeking to create controversy.

During the Mexican Grand Prix, the 27-year-old Dutch driver was twice penalized for forcing McLaren title rival Lando Norris wide and gaining an advantage off the track. Hill suggested Verstappen's tactics were a calculated risk.

"As he says, he knows what he's doing but is it right? And is it fair?" pondered Hill. "We shouldn't be condoning driving cars off the track."

Despite leading the championship by 47 points with four rounds and 120 points still available, Verstappen's actions have drawn sharp scrutiny as Norris has been steadily closing the gap, finishing second in Mexico to Verstappen's sixth.

Hill maintained that Verstappen has consistently used dangerous tactics since his debut in Formula 1. "When he makes a point about individuals, it's not individuals," Hill elaborated. "It's almost universal disapproval. That's the point. It's not a vendetta against Max; it's simply that people who watch the racing want it to be conducted in a reasonable and fair way."

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner defended his driver, describing Verstappen’s first penalty as "very harsh," though he admitted understanding the second one. "Max will always go for the gap, he'll always be hard at the apex of a corner," Horner remarked. "Max has been racing for 20 years now, [taking] the inside line and going for the apex, he's controlling the corner at that point. That's what he would have done throughout his career."

The ongoing debate over Verstappen’s driving style highlights the broader issue of fair play and safety in Formula 1, with opinions sharply divided among fans, pundits, and competitors alike.

Formula 1 Race results /standings Formula 1 Race schedule F1 TV: Watch every race of the 2024 Formula 1 Grand Prix season live Watch Formula 1 in ESPN networks all season long