AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

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.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Cadillac F1 leads rebellion against Mercedes: rivals unite in explosive engine saga showdown!
Motorsports

Cadillac F1 leads rebellion against Mercedes: rivals unite in explosive engine saga showdown!

Title: The Battle for Supremacy: Rivals Unite Against Mercedes in F1 Engine Controversy! As the engines roar to life for...

by Carl Harrison
February 10, 2026
Fernando Alonso warns: formula 1 risks losing joy with overthinking and management racing
Motorsports

Fernando Alonso warns: formula 1 risks losing joy with overthinking and management racing

The Diminishing Thrill of Formula 1: Fernando Alonso Sounds the Alarm! As the countdown to 2026 ticks on, Formula 1...

by Publisher
February 10, 2026
McLaren shocks F1 world with bold Bahrain test strategy: fewer tyres than fierce rivals
Motorsports

McLaren shocks F1 world with bold Bahrain test strategy: fewer tyres than fierce rivals

McLaren Shakes Up F1 Testing Strategy with Bold Tire Decision in Bahrain! In a daring move that could reshape the...

by Harry Bright
February 10, 2026
Williams Racing faces daunting challenges: Team Principal Vowles vows to secure future success
Motorsports

Williams Racing faces daunting challenges: Team Principal Vowles vows to secure future success

Williams Racing's Future: Team Principal Vowles Stays Unfazed Amidst Early Season Struggles As the Formula 1 World Championship gears up...

by Redação
February 10, 2026

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent News

Cadillac F1 leads rebellion against Mercedes: rivals unite in explosive engine saga showdown!

Cadillac F1 leads rebellion against Mercedes: rivals unite in explosive engine saga showdown!

February 10, 2026
Fernando Alonso warns: formula 1 risks losing joy with overthinking and management racing

Fernando Alonso warns: formula 1 risks losing joy with overthinking and management racing

February 10, 2026
McLaren shocks F1 world with bold Bahrain test strategy: fewer tyres than fierce rivals

McLaren shocks F1 world with bold Bahrain test strategy: fewer tyres than fierce rivals

February 10, 2026
Williams Racing faces daunting challenges: Team Principal Vowles vows to secure future success

Williams Racing faces daunting challenges: Team Principal Vowles vows to secure future success

February 10, 2026

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

MSports Play Icon
MSports Play
The New streaming service
Download
×
No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.