Former world champion Damon Hill believes Red Bull should talk to Max Verstappen about driving after the controversial Mexico City Grand Prix.
Verstappen received two 10-second time penalties and two penalty points for superlicensing for his move against title rival Lando Norris on Sunday, going on to finish sixth and see Norris’ championship lead cut to 47 points, ahead of Sao Paulo this weekend. Grand Prix.
The Dutchman did not want to say much about what happened to Norris, but Red Bull team principal Christian Horner used the data to suggest that the first penalty for the Turn Four move was unfair, despite knowing the Turn Eight penalty.
Horner also added that Verstappen will “always drive aggressively” in F1 regulations.
“There was no attempt to describe the driver publicly in a way that anyone could understand,” Hill said. Sky Sports F1 Podcast.
“It’s definitely a protective comment from Christian about Max. It almost seems like Max is free to do whatever he likes.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
See Max Verstappen’s new angle that forced Lando Norris off the track twice during the Mexico City GP
“His team won’t criticize the way he drives. And I think when you’re in the competition, it’s something that can be done publicly.
“But really, at some point, there has to be a conversation. It’s the team’s responsibility as well as contributing to the driver’s attitude.”
Don’t miss an episode of the Sky Sports F1 Podcast. Subscribe now at: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Screamer
Hill: It can’t just be a demolition derby
The Mexican drama comes just seven days after another controversial battle between the title protagonists, when Norris was handed a five-second time penalty for “leaving the track and gaining an advantage” while overtaking Verstappen off the track.
The incident was prompted by F1’s Overtaking Regulations, which indicate the first driver at the top will have priority going into the corner.
Verstappen was praised by some for driving to the rules in Austin, but received widespread criticism for the incident in Mexico, Sky Sports F1Martin Brundle feels he could “ruin his legacy”.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast, Damon Hill reflects on how F1 has evolved since becoming a driver and ‘bad boy’ in F1.
Brundle and Hill both raced against Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher during their F1 careers.
Hill was involved in a controversial title battle against Schumacher, but pointed to Senna when it came to aggressive racing.
“Ayrton Senna was very brutal with some of his tactics and aggressiveness, and it was also questioned at the time, the way he drove,” he said. Sky Sports.
“I’m going to Brazil, so I don’t want to upset the Senna fans, but they know he’s a great competitor, and sometimes the anger in him gets the better of me.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Speaking on Sky Sports F1 Podcast, Nigel Chiu explains Christian Horner’s defense after Verstappen-Norris battle at Mexico City GP
“That’s where the FIA ​​or the sports authorities have to come in. They have to be able to say, ‘OK, we want to compete and see that fieriness, but it has to be controlled.’
“It can’t just be a demolition derby just to keep a place, or deny everyone a place just because you don’t want to overtake, so there has to be a way to discipline the driver.
“I think Max, if he continues like this, there will be long-term questions about whether it was wise for him to drive like that.
“He’s got a lot of talent, he’s got a lot of ability. He can use that skill to beat his opponent. It’s not just a race of dodgems.”
Sao Paulo GP schedule live Sky Sports F1
Thursday, October 31
4pm: Driver Press Conference
Friday November 1st
2pm: Sao Paulo GP Practice One (session starts at 2.30pm)
16.30: Team Leader’s Press Conference
6pm: Sprint GP Sao Paulo Qualifying (qualifying starts at 6.30pm*)
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Take a look back at some of the most dramatic moments that took place at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Saturday 2 November
13.00: Sao Paulo GP Sprint build-up
2pm: Sao Paulo GP Sprint
15.30: Notebook Sprint Ted
5pm: Qualifying Sao Paulo builds
6pm: Sao Paulo GP Qualifying
8pm: Ted’s Qualification Notebook
Sunday November 3rd
15:30: Grand Prix Sunday: Sao Paulo GP build-up
5pm: THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
19:00: Checkered Flag: Reaction to GP Sao Paulo
8pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
America’s Formula 1 triple header concludes this weekend with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with every session live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with Sports Month Membership NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
