Damon Hill Reacts to Max Verstappen’s Stunning Qualifying Lap

Damon Hill, the four-time world champion, couldn’t hide his excitement as Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix. In a rare display of emotion over the team radio, Hill roared in delight when confirmed that he was on pole.

Verstappen’s Challenging Season and Remarkable Qualifying Performance

Despite the difficulty in driving the car this season, Verstappen managed to make improvements in every session, securing pole position with a stunning lap at Suzuka. “I think that’s where we made the difference,” he told reporters after the session, “and the last lap was just flat out.

Hill took to Instagram to express his admiration for Verstappen’s performance, writing, “Not to be denied.” He also shared Fernando Alonso’s reaction to the impressive lap, with the Spaniard stating, “no other driver” is at Verstappen’s level. Hill agreed, adding, “True that.

Hill’s Previous Criticisms of Verstappen

In the past, Hill has been criticized for his comments about Verstappen, particularly at the end of the 2024 season when he claimed the Red Bull driver used “fear and intimidation” against his rivals. However, Hill’s recent reaction suggests a change in tone towards the young driver.

Speaking on Sky Sports at the time, Hill said there was “some method to his angriness on track.” He added that while Verstappen knows what he’s doing, it may not always be fair or within the rules. “I’m clear about what I understand Max to be,” Hill said, noting that Verstappen had been driving “dangerously” since he entered F1. “He’s been like that, and he’s been consistent from the moment he arrived in F1 in using what was regarded as dangerous tactics.”