Hill pinpoints why Verstappen may respect Piastri more than Norris

20:05, 14 Dec

byLuke-John Buckle

The 1996 Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill is adamant that Oscar Piastri isn't distracted by Max Verstappen's uncompromising antics on the track.

"I don't think Oscar's particularly intimidated by that [Verstappen's driving]"

- Damon Hill

Speaking on the Drive to Wynn podcast, Hill explained that Piastri can be more decisive than his world champion teammate Lando Norris when racing wheel-to-wheel.

He said: "I think Max recognises that Oscar will not hesitate. He won't think twice. He arrives and then he's attacked. He just goes straight in there. And that is one of his highest skills, I think, is that ability to be an aggressive and decisive overtaker.

"And in Saudi Arabia, do you remember what happened in Saudi Arabia when they both started biffing each other, and Max took to the escape road and then played silly buggers by not giving the place back or whatever? I don't think Oscar's particularly intimidated by that."

Photo: Race Pictures

He added: "And so I think there's a little bit more respect. I think you're right, Lando, it can be a little bit more circumspect and wary of Max, and Max knows that."

Piastri just missed out on his first world championship this season after finishing third in the standings, 13 points behind Norris with Red Bull's Verstappen in second.

A former F1 driver was confused by Piastri's form this year

Piastri started the season in scintillating form, winning five of the first nine Grands Prix for McLaren.

He then had a 34-point lead after the Dutch Grand Prix as Piastri won at Zandvoort and Norris retired.

The former Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean feels Piastri's form in the four or five races after Monza was strange.

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