"When someone is getting unfair massive abuse, don't just slip into the shadows": An emotional Damon Hill opens up on social media about F1 fan abuse

Former F1 driver Damon Hill took to social media to share his thoughts about the 'abuse' he has been receiving of late. Hill was in the news after his comments on Verstappen went viral, following which he was subjected to stern criticism by a section of fans on X.

The 1996 F1 champion made a series of comments on Verstappen about the latter's driving tactics. He stated that the Red Bull driver often finds himself out of control after Verstappen pushed Lando Norris out of the track in the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix.

Hill also stated that the four-time world champion also uses the tactics of fear and intimidation during racing, which puts him in an advantageous position. Following this, Hill revealed that he received strong criticism on social media.

Addressing them, the former F1 driver took to X to share his stance. He shared a series of tweets where he spoke about the 'hate' he has been receiving. In one of his tweets, he wrote:

"There are two choices: Stay and fight for civility, or leave the field to the Toxic Ones. When someone is getting unfair massive abuse, don't just slip into the shadows. That's how they win. Reply in a firm but reasonable way that you disagree. Don't be like them. #f1 #X."

Interestingly, Damon Hill was also associated with Sky Sports as a pundit. However, the British media company parted ways with him after 13 years as the controversy surrounding him gained traction.

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Damon Hill hailed Max Verstappen after fourth title win amid controversy

Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding him, Damon Hill came out to praise Max Verstappen after the Red Bull driver claimed his fourth consecutive F1 title. Hill took to his official X account and hailed the Dutchman.

"Got to hand it to @redbullracing and @Max33Verstappen They absolutely smashed this generation of F1 regulations and of course Max has driven brilliantly (occasional loss of self control!) The event horizon of 7 titles looms into view. Maybe 8? That will keep us glued to @f1 #f1," Damon Hill rwrote.

Following a P5 finish at the recently concluded Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen sealed the title ahead of title contender Lando Norris of McLaren, that too with two races to go.

Max Verstappen of Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates his fourth World Drivers' Championship with his crew at the Las Vegas Grand Prix (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images)

Max Verstappen currently has 403 points, compared to Lando Norris' 340, which gives the former a cushion of 63 points. Whereas, in the upcoming two race weekends, a maximum of 60 points are available.

As a result, Verstappen secured the title and matched former Red Bull and F1 driver Sebastian Vettel, who also has four titles to his name.