Damon Hill hits back at Zak Brown's 'bias' in an online US GP clash

Damon Hill has clashed with McLaren CEO Zak Brown on social media after the controversial moment between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris sparked a conversation in Austin. At the United States Grand Prix, there was another controversial moment between Norris and Verstappen on the track. Off the track, there was much debate between teams and fans alike. Norris was eventually given a time penalty after he was deemed to have left the track and gained an advantage, allowing Verstappen to move to the podium and extend his championship lead. On X, McLaren team boss Zak Brown and former F1 champion Damon Hill discussed the incident.

Verstappen started the race from second place, and his first corner divebomb on Lando Norris made them both lose out. Charles Leclerc passed the pair of them on lap one. The Ferrari driver then led comfortably for the entire race, taking home his third win of the season. Carlos Sainz was in the clear in second after an undercut, meaning the championship contenders were fighting for third. Both drivers ended up going off the track, but Norris, who was behind on the straight, came back onto the track ahead of Verstappen. As a result, the Brit received a five-second time penalty.

On X, Hill clearly disagreed with Norris' penalty. The 1996 F1 world champion believed that Verstappen should've left Norris more space, suggesting that the penalty wasn't his fault. "I'm not convinced the stewarding was consistent in that race. But Lando went deep to pass and did so off track. That said, Max did not give him room on the exit and barged him off the track in turn 1, lap 1. The rules need to be better." Hill said.

Brown, who also disagreed with the penalty, immediately responded: "Damon I'm convinced it's not!". Hill immediately clapped back at the American: "Yeah, but you're necessarily biased. Even if you're not!"

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