Damon Hill responded to Max Verstappen’s criticism in a ‘no vendetta’ verdict

Damon Hill has stood by his comments about Max Verstappen’s driving standards, saying he uses “fear and intimidation” when racing others, but the 1996 world champion added his words were “not a vendetta” against the reigning champion.

Verstappen responded to Hill’s commentin which Hill described the Red Bull driver’s tactics in defending himself against Lando Norris in Mexico as “a mean dick”, saying: “I don’t listen to these people, I just do my thing”.

Damon Hill supports the criticism of Max Verstappen and adds that it is “not a vendetta” against him

Verstappen added that he felt some in the paddock were “a bit prejudiced” against him, but Hill hit back at the Dutchman’s comments about “individuals” criticizing him, adding “it’s almost universal disapproval”.

When asked if he stood by his previous comments about Verstappen, Hill responded Sky F1: “Yes. I think he uses fear and intimidation, but I think he also explained a little bit more about his tactics, which was that he sees it as a gamble.

“Sometimes it can pay off, sometimes he can get the better of the stewards. They may not take the penalty and also use it as a way to compromise title challenger Lando Norris.

“So there is a certain logic. There’s a certain method to his anger, if you want to call it that, on the track, but as he says, he knows what he’s doing, but is it right and is it fair?

“I think there’s a rule somewhere as well, and the rules say everybody has to drive … they’re there to ensure fairness and we shouldn’t condone driving cars off the track.”

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Given Verstappen’s assessment of his criticism, Hill said he “absolutely” did not expect any kind of apology from the reigning world champion, explaining his view of how the Red Bull driver expressed his delusions.

“No, I think I’m clear about who I understand Max to be and he’s been consistent since he arrived in F1,” Hill said.

“He used what were seen as dangerous tactics and regulations were put in place to clear up some of the things he brought on himself because of the way he governs.

“The FIA put in the rules obviously to try and contain that because they don’t want races like that and they also don’t want dangerous situations like line changes under the braking zone and things like that, which is something he’s used to getting up too. So they put in rules that cover all of that.

“When he talks about individuals, it’s not individuals, it’s almost universal disapproval. That’s the point.

“It’s not a vendetta against Max, it’s just that people who watch racing want it to be done sensibly and fairly, and if there’s no way to do a race like Karun (Chandhok, ex-F1). driver and Sky colleague) said that if everyone did it it would be pointless, it would be pointless and not worth watching.

“We like tight races. Here we are in Sao Paulo, it all started a little bit in ’21 when he ran deep into turn four (against Lewis Hamilton, ed) and everyone said, “Wait a minute, you can’t just run” the guy clears the road to protect,’ and he still does.”