Ex-Formula 1 Champion, Damon Hill, has unleashed a scathing critique on Red Bull and their lead driver, Max Verstappen. Hill, who has been a prominent analyst for Sky Sports F1 up until the conclusion of the 2024 season, lambasted the team for its perceived hypocritical stance in F1, despite their outwardly tough persona.
A feud has been brewing between Hill and Verstappen, fueled by the former champion’s assertions that Red Bull has continually evaded criticism, especially when it pertains to their star driver, Verstappen. This conflict has only been amplified by the longstanding tensions between Red Bull, helmed by Christian Horner, and Sky Sports. The underlying contention arises from Red Bull’s conviction that the broadcaster exhibits a preferential bias towards British racers, a sentiment that culminated in a boycott of the team in response to remarks by commentator Ted Kravitz.
This discord gained further momentum following the contentious 2021 title-deciding race in Abu Dhabi, where Verstappen battled fiercely against four-time champion, Lewis Hamilton. The rivalry has persisted, with Verstappen locking horns with British drivers Lando Norris and George Russell.
Hill’s main bone of contention lies with Verstappen’s aggressive racing style, often forcing competitors into a “back off or crash” predicament. While Verstappen’s defenders liken his approach to the legendary Ayrton Senna, Hill strongly refutes this comparison. He argues that Red Bull’s response to criticism is both disproportional and strategically calculated, exemplifying a two-faced character.
In a fiery interview with The Telegraph, Hill emphasized that his issue was not with Verstappen’s talent, which he acknowledges, but with the lack of accountability from Red Bull for their driver’s on-track behavior. He believes that Red Bull has a duty to the sport to rein in their driver when he crosses the line, but laments that they fail to do so.
The mystery surrounding Hill’s exit from Sky Sports ahead of the 2024 season has sparked speculation about possible interference from Red Bull or Verstappen’s camp. The team has had previous altercations with Sky Sports, with Verstappen even boycotting the broadcaster in 2022. While Hill admits to sensing pressure from Red Bull on Sky Sports, he vehemently denies that they were behind his departure from the network.
Regardless of his exit from Sky, Hill remains a vocal commentator on Formula 1 and has pledged to continue expressing his views on the sport, irrespective of potential backlash from teams. He also dismissed the notion that Sky Sports F1 harbors any bias against Verstappen or Red Bull. On the contrary, he insists that the broadcaster strives for fair and balanced coverage. His comments underscore the growing tension between the team and the broadcasting network, adding another dimension to the drama that continues to unfold in the world of Formula 1.
