"I have no respect for Max Verstappen when he races like that": Damon Hill doubles down on the Red Bull driver's criticism

Damon Hill aimed criticism at Max Verstappen following the Red Bull driver's on-track antics during the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix. Hill called out the Dutchman on his aggressive behavior on track.

Verstappen received numerous criticisms following his dangerous maneuvers against Lando Norris at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez race. Unwilling to yield track position, he ran Norris wide and the McLaren driver snatched the position.

Besides this, the #1 driver also went off the track to take back the position he lost. The FIA noted the incidents and handed Verstappen two 10-second time penalties. One for forcing a driver off the track, and another for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.

Notably, the penalties triggered protests from a certain section of fans who questioned the British bias against Verstappen. However, Hill, a former driver and a Sky Sports F1 analyst, snubbed the claim and shared his reason.

Replying to a fan on X, he wrote:

"I have no respect for Max when he races like that. It has nothing to do with nationality. I like to see the guys I like and respect - not only for their speed but also for their sportsmanship - do well. Like Carlos, for example. It is you who are preferring the easy explanation."

Interestingly, questions were asked on the FIA's role as well, as some fans and experts questioned the neutrality of Johnny Herbert and Tim Mayer, the standing FIA stewards. Herbert is a British citizen, while Mayer is the son of former McLaren co-founder, Teddy Mayer.

This has come with Verstappen and Norris locked in a fight for the drivers' championship, while Red Bull and McLaren are competing for the constructors' title.

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Max Verstappen undeterred about F1 criticism

Max Verstappen leading Lando Norris at the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico - Source: Getty Images

Max Verstappen shared that he does not care about criticism regarding his aggressive behavior on track, and did not want to share his opinion.

"I just drive how I think I have to drive," Max Verstappen told the media following the Mexico City race (via the BBC). "Last week it was all right, this week 20 seconds penalty. I am not going to cry about it and I am also not going to share my opinion. The biggest problem I had is that it was a bad day in terms of race pace."

As a result of the 20-second time penalty, Verstappen lost track position and it cost him 10 points against Lando Norris.

Norris finished the race in P2, behind race winner Carlos Sainz, whereas, Verstappen came home in P6. The Red Bull driver currently has 362 points after 20 races, and four Sprints, 47 more than his McLaren counterpart.