Damon Hill critiques Verstappen, accusing him of leveraging fear to unsettle competitors in his relentless pursuit of dominance.
1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill hasn’t held back in once again criticising Max Verstappen’s driving style during the Mexican Grand Prix, describing his tactics as “relying on fear and intimidation.”
Hill’s recent remarks follow a series of previous criticisms directed at Verstappen, which in turn prompted a rebuke from the Dutch driver himself.
Defensive in response, Verstappen retorted, “I don’t listen to these individuals.”
Questioned on Verstappen’s approach, Hill stood by his comments.
“I believe he uses fear and intimidation. He’s also outlined his tactics somewhat—viewing it as a gamble. Sometimes it pays off, and sometimes he gets the upper hand with the stewards, who might choose not to apply a penalty.”
“He also uses it as a way to compromise his title rival, Lando Norris. So, there’s a certain logic, a method to his aggression. He claims to know what he’s doing, but is it fair and just?”
Hill also dismissed claims of any bias or “vendetta” against Verstappen.
“The stewards don’t want dangerous scenarios either, like changing lines in a braking zone and so on, which he’s done in the past.”
“That’s why additional rules have been introduced to address such actions. When he talks about individuals, it’s not about particular people. It’s almost universally disapproved of. That’s the point. It’s not a vendetta against Max.”
“It’s simply people who follow racing wanting it conducted reasonably and fairly. If everyone behaved like that, it would be absurd, foolish, and not worth watching. We love close racing. Here we are in São Paulo, where it all began in 2021, with him sending Lewis off at Turn Four.”
“Everyone thought: ‘Hang on a minute, you can’t just push someone off the track to defend.’ And yet he continues to do it.”
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Damon Hill: Verstappen’s fear tactics compromise rivals’ chances Damon Hill: Verstappen’s fear tactics compromise rivals’ chances