Damon Hill Explains His Criticism of Max Verstappen's Aggressive Driving

Damon Hill, the 1996 F1 world champion, has revealed that his consistent criticism of Max Verstappen's aggressive driving style stems from his background in motorcycle racing, where contact with competitors was strictly avoided. Hill famously compared Verstappen to 'Dick Dastardly' after the reigning four-time world champion received multiple penalties for collisions at last year's Mexican Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

F1 pundits and former champions often offer unique insights into the sport, shaping fan perception and driver narratives. Hill's explanation provides context to his long-standing critique of Verstappen, highlighting a fundamental difference in racing philosophy that underscores varied perspectives on modern F1's contact rules and aggressive overtaking.

The Details:

• 'Dick Dastardly' Comment: Hill likened Verstappen to the cartoon villain after the Red Bull driver received two separate penalties for collisions with Lando Norris at the 2023 Mexican Grand Prix.
• Motorcycle Racing Influence: Hill, who began his motorsport career on two wheels before switching to cars in the mid-1980s, explained that motorbike racing instilled a strict no-contact philosophy.
  • "I didn't do karting, so this style of driving I didn't get because I came from bike racing," Hill stated on the Stay on Track podcast.
  • He noted that in bike racing, overtakes utilize more track space, and drivers don't typically "squeeze people onto the grass" to avoid knocking themselves off.
• Contrasting Car Racing: Hill expressed surprise at the aggressive nature of car racing upon his transition, recalling instances where championships were decided by collisions, including his own infamous incident with Michael Schumacher in Adelaide in 1994.
• Verstappen's Current Stance: Verstappen has re-emerged as a title contender in the 2025 season with recent victories, currently sitting 36 points behind championship leader Lando Norris with four rounds remaining.

Between the lines:

While Hill views aggressive contact critically due to his background, fellow pundit and former F1 driver Johnny Herbert defended Verstappen's approach. Herbert lauded Verstappen's "brilliant" move on Lewis Hamilton in Mexico, describing it as "right on the edge" and part of racing. He emphasized that Verstappen's willingness to intimidate competitors, akin to legends like Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, and Michael Schumacher, is a "powerful thing" and a valuable asset in the sport.

What's next:

Discussions around aggressive driving and racing etiquette will undoubtedly continue as the F1 season progresses. With Verstappen's continued success often involving bold maneuvers, the debate between traditional racing principles and modern F1's more physical approach remains a key talking point among fans and experts alike.