Ex-Formula One World Champion Hits Out At Max Verstappen’s Aggressive Driving With ‘Cry Like A Baby’ Response

Damon Hill has ripped into Red Bull and Max Verstappen insisting they can’t take criticism and that the Dutchman would ‘cry like a baby’ if the roles were reversed in terms of driving standards.

The 1996 Formula One world champion previously accused Verstappen of acting like Wacky Races villain Dick Dastardly after last year’s Mexico Grand Prix.

Verstappen was handed a combined 20-second penalty for his aggressive driving in incidents involving Lando Norris.

The Dutchman responded to Hill saying that he didn’t listen to people who were ‘annoying’ and ‘biased’.

Both Max and his father Jos made suggestions of ‘bias’ in the British media against him – including from ex-drivers.

Having joined Sky Sports as a pundit in 2012, Hill departed the broadcaster at the end of the 2024 season.

In an interview with the Telegraph, Hill said that the Red Bull team can’t take criticism and that Max Verstappen would ‘cry like a baby’ if the roles were reversed on his driving.

'If someone was to drive down the inside of him, he’d cry like a baby'

Damon Hill likes Max Verstappen but says he never had any problem calling him or Red Bull out when lines were crossed#TelegraphSport | #F1

— Telegraph Sport (@TelegraphSport) February 27, 2025

Damon Hill: Max Verstappen Would ‘Cry Like A Baby’

Damon Hill in his interview with the Telegraph was critical of Max Verstappen’s behaviour during the 2024 season.

The 1996 Formula One world champion also leapt to the defence of both himself and Sky Sports, insisting there was no ‘British bias’.

He said: “[Last year] Max correctly interpreted to his advantage the rule about overtaking and being ahead at the apex on the inside. There’s nothing in the rules that says you can’t do that. And it’s exciting to see people dive down the inside.

“Except that no other driver does it. And if someone was to do it to him, he’d cry like a baby. And that’s one of my issues with them. Red Bull simply can’t accept that. No, it really is slightly disappointing that they like to be thought of as the hard kids on the block. But when something doesn’t go their way, they cry about it.”

He added: “As I say, I like Max. What I don’t like is jingoism. And I don’t like the fact that it became a ‘You’re against us because we’re not British’ and all that nonsense, which was used as a way of pressuring us. It’s utterly unfair to suggest that there is any kind of anti-Dutch thing going on.”

Max Verstappen Responds To Boos At F1 Launch In London

Damon Hill’s criticism of Max Verstappen comes after the Dutchman was booed at the F175 Livery Launch Event at London’s 02 Arena earlier this month.

Verstappen appeared on screen to a mixed reaction with some loud boos. However, this was followed by cheers after host Jack Whitehall introduced him.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner also received boos during the event. Verstappen and his new teammate Liam Lawson were the only drivers not to be interviewed on stage at the event.

The F1 circus is in Bahrain this week for pre-season testing ahead of the 2025 season.

Asked about the jeers, Verstappen replied: “There was any booing? Maybe I’m deaf. I don’t really need to talk about it, it’s not worth my time.”

Reports have suggested that Verstappen has threatened to boycott any future launch events if they are held in London.