Former Formula 1 World Champion Damon Hill criticized Max Verstappen’s demeanor in response to Lewis Hamilton securing his fourth F1 title, sharing his opinion via Instagram after an old video resurfaced on social media. The footage captures Verstappen’s reaction at the 2017 Mexico City Grand Prix, shortly after Hamilton won the 2017 United States Grand Prix in Texas, clinching his fourth championship.
In the 2017 Mexico City Grand Prix paddock, Kimi Raikkonen was asked for his view on Hamilton’s milestone. Before Raikkonen could answer, Verstappen interjected with a question to the Finnish driver, suggesting indifference: “Basically you don’t care, right?” Raikkonen replied candidly,
“No, I don’t, man. Can we be happy about it? I don’t think we can. I think, in a way, yes.”
Verstappen then remarked,
“I think we prefer to be in that position right?”
Raikkonen concluded with a softer tone,
“I think we can be happy for him, yeah.”
Upon the clip’s circulation, Damon Hill shared it on his official Instagram page and commented,
“Am I alone in feeling that this is a less than magnanimous attitude that diminishes the holder more than the subject?”
Hill’s words highlighted his disappointment in Verstappen’s apparent lack of sportsmanship.
The 2017 Mexico City Grand Prix was notable for having Max Verstappen, Kimi Raikkonen, and Valtteri Bottas occupying the top three positions on the podium, while Lewis Hamilton, who started from pole position, finished ninth. This race came immediately after Hamilton secured his fourth championship by winning in Texas, a feat that placed him among the sport’s all-time greats.
Lewis Hamilton Reflects on Achieving His Fourth F1 Championship
Following his victory in the United States and the confirmation of his fourth world title, Lewis Hamilton shared his thoughts reflecting on the achievement. The then-Mercedes driver expressed a blend of gratitude and determination, noting the collective effort behind the success. He said,
“I try to not leave any stone unturned – and that’s the philosophy the whole team have had. As a driver, I’m always trying to raise the bar.”
Hamilton also recounted his journey from dreaming of Formula 1 as a child in Stevenage to becoming a four-time world champion. He remarked,
“Just the other day, I was reminiscing about growing up in Stevenage, watching TV, and one day dreaming of being in F1. Here we are, 25 years later or whatever it is and I’m four-time world champion. A big, big thank you to all the fans. Thank you for your continuous support.”
That season, Hamilton outpaced Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel to secure his fourth title, joining an elite group of drivers including Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher, Vettel, and Alain Prost, all of whom have won four or more Formula 1 championships.
The Significance of Sportsmanship in Formula 1 Rivalries
Damon Hill’s critique of Max Verstappen’s reaction sheds light on the importance of respect and sportsmanship within Formula 1. Verstappen’s words during the 2017 Mexico City Grand Prix appeared dismissive of Hamilton’s historic accomplishment, a sentiment that Hill suggested undermines both the titleholder and the spirit of the sport. Such moments spark discussions on how drivers publicly express their views on each other’s successes, especially as rivalries continue to define the competitive atmosphere of Formula 1.
As Verstappen’s career progresses alongside Hamilton’s legacy, the interaction between these prominent drivers—and their respective attitudes toward milestones—remains a focal point for fans and commentators alike. This viral clip adds another chapter to the ongoing narrative between two of the sport’s standout talents.