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Damon Hill Reflects on Verstappen Controversy and Departure from Sky F1: A Look Into the Drama Behind the Scenes

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
February 28, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0

SPA, BELGIUM - JULY 27: Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing is presented with the Pirelli Pole Position award by Damon Hill during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, 2024 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202407270314 // Usage for editorial use only //

Damon Hill, the 1996 World Champion and long-standing Sky F1 pundit, has recently shared his perspective on his departure from the broadcasting team. Hill, known for his outspoken critiques, has been under the spotlight, particularly for his strong-worded criticism of Max Verstappen’s racing style. However, Hill asserts that his exit from Sky F1 was not influenced by his controversial stance.

Last season, Hill’s sharp criticism of Verstappen thrust him into the news headlines. His fellow ex-Sky F1 pundit and steward, Johnny Herbert, also faced similar scrutiny for his critical assessment of Verstappen’s racing approach. The tension peaked at the Mexican Grand Prix when Verstappen was penalized twice with 10-second time penalties following a heated race against his then title competitor, Lando Norris.

Criticisms against Verstappen’s racing style intensified after the Austin event, where Norris was penalized for leaving the track and gaining an advantage. Hill’s critique of Verstappen’s aggressive strategy led him to liken the racer to cartoon villain Dick Dastardly on the Sky F1 podcast following the Mexican GP. Hill argued that Verstappen’s refusal to concede any turf during an overtake was problematic, questioning the racer’s capability to race fairly.

Verstappen’s reaction to the criticism was as pointed as the critique itself. The four-time World Champion, along with his father Jos, spoke out in 2024 about what they perceived as a ‘British bias’ in the F1 media, dismissing the critics as biased.

Despite the heated exchange, Hill maintains that his departure from Sky F1 was unrelated to the Verstappen controversy. While acknowledging the tense atmosphere, Hill disclosed that he had already sensed the end of his Sky F1 career approaching. Citing factors such as being assigned less attractive races and the inclusion of younger, fresher names like Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg in the broadcasting team, Hill accepted that the dynamics of television require a certain “eye-candy factor.”

Sky F1’s live broadcasting rights for the UK and Ireland extend till the end of the 2029 season. Given the changing landscape, the departure of seasoned pundits like Hill signifies a shift towards a younger, fresher perspective on the sport. While Hill’s exit may not have been directly influenced by the Verstappen controversy, his outspoken critiques have certainly left a lasting imprint on the F1 broadcasting scene.

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