Former world champion Damon Hill has reacted critically to a radio message from Max Verstappen during the Miami GP. The Dutchman got caught in the midfield after a spin in the first lap and then had to fight his way forward. In doing so, he fought several battles, including with Alex Albon. Verstappen did not pass the Williams driver easily – and that is exactly where Hill took issue.
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While Verstappen made a desperate attempt to pass Albon, he was annoyed by the driving behavior of the British-Thai driver; his former teammate defended fiercely. Via the radio, the Dutchman complained: “Mate, he just pushed me against that pole. What the f*ck? That’s not allowed.” Damon Hill could not agree with that reaction and made a critical remark about Verstappen’s words.
Hypocritical
“He (Verstappen, ed.) complained that Alex Albon had regained his position and got in his way,” said the Brit to BBC Radio 5 Live. “I have to say: Max really shouldn’t complain about others doing that to him. He has done that himself often enough to other drivers.” The former champion referred again to the sprint race on Saturday. There, Verstappen was involved in a battle with Lewis Hamilton. In the end, the Red Bull driver managed to pass his old rival, and in a clean way, according to Hill.
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“You have to admit that Verstappen made a strong overtaking attempt there,” he continued. “He really went around the inside, and it almost seemed like everyone was driving too slowly. They were sort of in an accordion, and it seemed like Hamilton was pulling back. Max simply went for the gap. And as he does so well, he dives in deep and uses the whole track.”
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