Formula 1 Legend Praises Max Verstappen

In a recent episode of the High Performance Podcast, former Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill lauded Max Verstappen as a “phenomenon” of the sport. He went on to describe the Dutchman as one of the greatest drivers in history, showering him with high praise.

Hill Ranks Verstappen Among All-Time Greats

When asked if he believed Verstappen was one of the all-time greatest drivers, Hill responded emphatically, “Right up there, no question.” He further added, “Possibly. I mean, in terms of his effectiveness, in terms of his preparedness, his maturity, his speed. He’s a phenomenon, and there are very few phenomena.

Hill has previously criticized Verstappen’s driving strategies. However, in 2024, he praised the driver for his impressive win at Imola, calling it a masterclass offering.

Verstappen’s Win at Imola Impresses Hill

Verstappen’s race boasted a stunning overtake on the first lap, edging out leader Oscar Piastri as he out-braked the Australian into the famous Tamburello chicane. This strategic move put him in prime position to lead the entirety of the race.

Hill commended this kind of racing, stating, “We want to see skill. We want to see skill and daring. We want it to be surgically done, not bludgeon. You know, you don’t take a mallet to something; we wanna see it done with a rapier, you know, clean, effectively done, and beautifully done.

Hill emphasized the need for rules in every sport, stating, “You can’t have a free-for-all. You have to have someone saying, ‘okay, we want to see racing, but we don’t want it going beyond certain bounds.’