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

Did Max Verstappen Controversy Push Damon Hill Out of Sky F1? Johnny Herbert Weighs In

Publisher by Publisher
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Damon Hill says Lewis Hamilton reacted maturely to Lando Norris’ incident after Hungarian Grand Prix.

Damon Hill Instagram

Former Formula 1 champion Damon Hill’s abrupt exit from Sky Sports F1 has sparked speculation, with Johnny Herbert suggesting Hill may have been driven away by backlash over his critical comments about Max Verstappen.


A Shock Departure and the Verstappen Factor

Hill, a revered figure in the F1 paddock and a key voice on Sky Sports’ coverage since 2012, recently announced his departure after 12 years. The decision, unexpected and unexplained, has fueled debate over the reasons behind it. Herbert, a former colleague and fellow F1 veteran, floated the idea that relentless criticism from Verstappen’s fanbase might have played a part.

“I don’t know whether it was [Hill’s] decision or Sky’s, to be honest,” Herbert told reporters. “I know he got criticism for the Max scenarios and maybe he felt, ‘You know what, I don’t need that.’ He was very unhappy at the crazy level of abuse he got over his Max comments.”

Hill’s criticism of Verstappen’s conduct during the Mexican Grand Prix reportedly triggered a wave of backlash, with fans accusing the Briton of bias. The negativity could have soured Hill’s experience with Sky Sports, leading to his departure, Herbert speculated.


Who Fills the Void?

Sky Sports F1 now faces the challenge of replacing Hill’s expertise and presence. Herbert floated Daniel Ricciardo as a potential successor, citing the Australian’s charisma and deep reservoir of racing experience.

“Daniel would be a good addition,” Herbert said. “He has the experience, the smiley face, is telegenic and very popular. All those experiences—good and bad—are what people want to hear about.”

Ricciardo, currently on a break from a full-time F1 seat, could bring fresh energy and a global appeal to Sky’s coverage. However, his availability remains uncertain as he prepares for a potential return to the grid in 2025.


The Bigger Picture: F1 Media Scrutiny

Hill’s exit coincides with a growing scrutiny of F1 broadcasters, particularly in the British media. Fans have increasingly voiced concerns over alleged biases, eroding trust in some of the sport’s most prominent voices. As Sky Sports navigates this turbulence, they’ll need to rebuild trust while finding a worthy successor to Hill’s seat.


What’s Next for Hill—and Verstappen?

While Damon Hill may be stepping back from his broadcasting duties, Max Verstappen continues to dominate the sport. With a 62-point lead in the drivers’ championship, the Dutchman is on the cusp of clinching his fourth consecutive title.

As Hill himself moves on, his departure serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny and passion that F1 stirs, not just on the track but in the narratives surrounding its stars and commentators. Whether Hill’s exit was indeed fueled by Verstappen-related controversy or other factors, it marks the end of an era for Sky Sports F1.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Lewis Hamilton’s epic comeback in F1 2026: will new regulations ignite his winning streak?
Motorsports

Lewis Hamilton’s epic comeback in F1 2026: will new regulations ignite his winning streak?

Lewis Hamilton: The Comeback King? A Riveting Look at His 2026 F1 Future! As the dust settles on a transformative...

by Carl Harrison
February 18, 2026
Riley Herbst battles chaos at Daytona 500: a wild finish that defines his drive
Motorsports

Riley Herbst battles chaos at Daytona 500: a wild finish that defines his drive

Riley Herbst Rises from the Ashes: Daytona 500 Chaos Fuels His Determination In a heart-pounding display that encapsulated the very...

by Simon Monroy
February 18, 2026
Zane Smith’s epic Daytona 500 battle: a thrilling points day ignites championship hopes
Motorsports

Zane Smith’s epic Daytona 500 battle: a thrilling points day ignites championship hopes

Zane Smith's Daytona 500 Dream Derailed: A Mixed Bag of Triumph and Disappointment In a thrilling showdown at the Daytona...

by Redação
February 18, 2026
Fernando Alonso ignites hope amid Aston Martin’s dire F1 2026 predictions: is it too late?
Motorsports

Fernando Alonso ignites hope amid Aston Martin’s dire F1 2026 predictions: is it too late?

Fernando Alonso Sounds Alarm for Aston Martin: "It Could Be Too Late!" In a stunning admission that has sent shockwaves...

by Publisher
February 18, 2026

Recent News

Lewis Hamilton’s epic comeback in F1 2026: will new regulations ignite his winning streak?

Lewis Hamilton’s epic comeback in F1 2026: will new regulations ignite his winning streak?

February 18, 2026
Riley Herbst battles chaos at Daytona 500: a wild finish that defines his drive

Riley Herbst battles chaos at Daytona 500: a wild finish that defines his drive

February 18, 2026
Zane Smith’s epic Daytona 500 battle: a thrilling points day ignites championship hopes

Zane Smith’s epic Daytona 500 battle: a thrilling points day ignites championship hopes

February 18, 2026
Fernando Alonso ignites hope amid Aston Martin’s dire F1 2026 predictions: is it too late?

Fernando Alonso ignites hope amid Aston Martin’s dire F1 2026 predictions: is it too late?

February 18, 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.