Hill Denies Anti-Max Bias Amid Red Bull Backlash

Damon Hill dismisses claims of anti-Verstappen bias, insisting his criticism is fair and Red Bull’s reaction only fuels unnecessary controversy.

Hill, who had to leave Sky after 13 years of loyal service as a consultant, has often been highly critical of Max Verstappen, even though this was not the official reason for his departure.

Hill notably compared the three-time world champion to the character “Dick Dastardly” from Wacky Races after his two incidents with Lando Norris at the Mexican Grand Prix. He also claimed that Max Verstappen would “cry like a baby” if other drivers treated him the way he treats them on track.

In response, Max Verstappen and his father Jos denounced “biased people” who wield influence in the paddock.

Now, speaking to the British press, the former Williams F1 driver has expressed regret that his comments triggered so much hostility, even anger, within the Milton Keynes camp.

“Red Bull always defends its interests very strongly,” he told The Telegraph. “And they don’t like criticism of Max. They were not at all happy with some of the things that were said.”

“Overall, they have always felt that Sky was pro-British and biased, which I find really unfair.”

“In reality, it’s quite the opposite. Sky is determined not to be seen as partisan. They want to be a fair broadcaster, recognizing merit where it is due.”

“They also don’t want to risk losing access to such a key figure in the sport. And Red Bull knows that, so they apply pressure when necessary.”

“I’m not anti-Max,” says Hill.

Even though some critics believe he shows more enthusiasm for Lando Norris and George Russell than for Max Verstappen, Damon Hill insists he is not against the Dutch driver.

“I’m not anti-Max—that’s the key point,” he states. “I think Max is brilliant. I like him. What’s not to like? He’s sensational. But when I felt he crossed the line, I said so.”

For Hill, the issue lies not only with Verstappen but also with how Red Bull manages him, which he sees as lacking.

“The leadership at Red Bull has a responsibility to the sport, you know? When their driver goes too far, they should say, ‘You can’t do that.’ But they don’t.”

“That has always bothered me about them. They’ve given Max a kind of free pass and protect him when he doesn’t play by the code, so to speak.”

“Max has perfectly understood how to exploit the rules to his advantage by being ahead at the apex when he’s on the inside,” he explains.

“There’s nothing in the regulations that says he can’t do it. And it’s exciting to see drivers dive down the inside. Except no other driver does it. And if someone did the same to him, he’d cry like a baby.”

“That’s one of the issues I have with them. Red Bull simply refuses to be told anything. It’s a bit disappointing. They want to be seen as the tough guys in the paddock, but as soon as something doesn’t go their way, they whine.”

So if Hill isn’t anti-Max, does he admit to having a soft spot for British drivers?

“As I said, I like Max,” he insists.

“What I don’t like is nationalism. And I don’t like the idea that it’s become: ‘You’re against us because we’re not British.’ That whole argument is absurd and has only been used to put pressure on us.”

“It’s completely unfair to suggest there’s any anti-Dutch bias. What am I supposed to do? I thought I was there to give my opinion.”