Damon Hill has stood by his comments on the driving
standards of Max Verstappen, saying he uses “fear and intimidation” while
racing others – but the 1996 World Champion added his words are “not a
vendetta” against the current champion.
Verstappen
responded to Hill’s comments, in which Hill described the Red Bull driver’s
tactics defending against Lando Norris in Mexico as “Dick Dastardly stuff”, by
saying: “I don’t listen to those individuals, I just do my own thing.”
Damon Hill stands by Max Verstappen criticism, adds it is
‘not a vendetta’ against him
Verstappen had
added that he feels some in the paddock are “a bit biased” against him, but
Hill responded to the Dutch driver’s words about “individuals” criticising him
by adding “it’s almost universal disapproval”.
When asked if he stands by his earlier comments on
Verstappen, Hill said on Sky F1: “Yes, I do. I think that he’s
using fear and intimidation, but I think he also has explained a little bit
more about his tactics, which has been that he regards it as a gamble.
“Sometimes it may pay off, sometimes he may get the better
of the stewards. They might not apply a penalty, and is also using it as a way
of compromising the title contender in Lando Norris.
“So there is some logic. There’s some method to his
angriness, 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 is also a rule somewhere, and the regulations
have said that everyone has to drive…they’re there to ensure fairness, and we
shouldn’t be condoning driving cars off the track.”
Given Verstappen’s assessment of his critique, Hill said he
had “not at all” been expecting any kind of apology from the current World
Champion, explaining his view of how the Red Bull driver goes about his raving.
“No, I think I’m clear about what I understand Max to be,
and he’s been consistent from the moment he arrived in Formula 1,” Hill said.
“He was using what was regarded as dangerous tactics, and
regulations have been brought in to clear up some of the things that he himself
has brought upon himself because of the way he drives.
“The FIA bring in regulations, obviously, to try and contain
it, because they don’t want racing like that, and they don’t want dangerous
situations as well, such as changing line under a braking area and stuff like
that, which is what he used to get up to as well. So they put in regulations to
cover all that.
“When he makes the point about individuals, it’s not individuals, it’s almost universal disapproval. That’s the point.
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