Damon Hill nuances Norris' maiden F1 title: 'Sometimes the best doesn't win'
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A filmmaker with a soft spot for Ronnie Peterson, Gilles Villeneuve, Mika Hakkinen and above all, Tazio Nuvolari and Ayrton Senna, is also a diehard Formula One fan since the age of 4 (mid-90's). An avid researcher of the past of Grand Prix Racing since before it was even named F1, and with a thirst for knowledge of the ins and outs of the actuality of the sport, as well as for the technical aspects that define it, is a member of GPblog since 2023, where he has put his love of racing to good use.
Whereas in the past Damon Hill seemed to be one of Max Verstappen's most ardent critic, he now has nothing but praises for the Dutch driver.
"Anyone can shine when things are easy. Max shines when things are difficult.”- Max Verstappen.
Max Verstappen finished two points off Lando Norris in the F1 2025 Drivers' Championship. Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hill said: “Max has that Schumacher quality. The focus, the relentlessness, the ability to extract everything from the car every single lap.”
“He does not switch off. Even when the pressure is enormous, he stays completely in control. That is something you only see in the very best.
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“There are no wasted movements. Everything he does is calculated and effective.”
Hill then recalled Verstappen's title charge in the second half of the season, in which he cut down a 104-point deficit down to only two with his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix win.
“Coming back from such a big points gap and pushing it to the very end takes a special mentality," Hill added.
“He just kept delivering. Week after week, he was there," stating that: "Anyone can shine when things are easy. Max shines when things are difficult.”
Sometimes the best driver doesn't win the title
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Although in the end McLaren driver Lando Norris ended up clinching the title, Hill did not believe Verstappen's 2025 season somehow means or matters less. In fact he suggested Verstappen was the best of the season, even better than the British McLaren champion.
“Championships are important, but they do not tell the whole story. Sometimes the best driver does not win the title.”
His praising of Verstappen then reached a new high, when he said the not only drivers, but teams were also forced into action by the Dutchman. “Teams had to react to him. Drivers had to think about him. That tells you everything.”
Hill then made a reference to the Dutch champion's overall stature, which he believes brings out the true differences in potential levels among drivers. “When you race against someone like Max, you have to raise your game or you fall behind.”
Hill: 'Max belongs in the best ever conversation'
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Verstappen, on account of his racing career so far, has been dubbed in F1's collective conscience as one of the best ever to have raced in the sport. Whilst some are hesitant to voice such an opinion yet, Hill feels the exact opposite. “When people talk about the best drivers of all time, Max belongs in that conversation. Absolutely.”
The British former F1 champion concluded with a thought of caution for the F1 grid. “He is still hungry. That is the scary part for everyone else.”
Marko's successor in the Red Bull programme confirmed
Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Guillaume “Rocky” Rocquelin is now the primary point of contact for the Red Bull Junior Team following Helmut Marko’s departure.
Marko had long led the program, handling talent scouting and management, and his exit initially left drivers and their teams uncertain about who to contact.
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Red Bull clarified that Rocquelin remains Head of the Driver Academy and will now run it independently. This comes during a crucial period when decisions are made about driver retention, new signings, and category placements. Rocquelin is a veteran at Red Bull, known for his past role as Sebastian Vettel’s race engineer.
Read the full story here.
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