Max Verstappen’s performance, according to former F1 world winner Damon Hill, has made him a target for the rest of the field.
Damon Hill thinks there are some drawbacks to Max Verstappen’s ascent to the top as well. Max Verstappen has just begun to realize that not everyone on the grid likes a winner, as Damon Hill discussed on the F1 Nation podcast. Added Hill:
“Not everyone admires a victor. Their sentiment is that once you’re in the lead, you’re content. But there’s also the fact that every other team in this industry is out to ruin your reputation. As a result, you become a target, and it may sometimes be perplexing why others don’t rejoice when you’re doing really well. However, there is a flip side to success.”
Damon Hill discussed how Max Verstappen’s rivals would try to find weaknesses in the Dutchman’s defense. He stated:
“This year, Max Verstappen has had some experience with it; it’s been unpleasant from that perspective because people have been trying to poke and prod him to see if he has any flaws here and there. You want to be regarded for the effort you put in and the dedication required to succeed in Formula 1. However, not everyone will be pleased with your victory, and that is a sad truth of life.”
This year, Max Verstappen stood out above the other drivers on the grid, setting records for both the number of races won (15) and the number of points (454).
Bernie Ecclestone: Max Verstappen should be thanked for F1
Max Verstappen should be thanked by the sport, according to former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone in an interview with the Dutch daily De Telegraaf.
This is a result of the sport’s popularity growing in the Netherlands thanks to the Red Bull driver. He stated:
ALSO READ: For the 2023 Formula One Season, Daniel Ricciardo Discusses His Red Bull Contract
“Max Verstappen should be thanked by Formula 1. He just races, doing what he must. For a very long time, the fans have yearned to see someone of that caliber.“
“He has everyone’s support and the Netherlands is really proud of him. Only for that reason are we back in Zandvoort. I haven’t been to the past two races, but I’m hoping things have changed for the better. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be good.”
Two world titles in a row have been won by Max Verstappen. His second victory was much easier to achieve than his first when he had a tough struggle with Lewis Hamilton. With four races left, the Dutchman won the title at Suzuka.
