Another disappinting race weekend saw Verstappen only able to cross the line in eigth place at the Japanese Grand Prix, finishing behind the Alpine of Pierre Gasly and resulting in yet more criticsm of the 2026 machines.

Speaking on the BBC's F1: Chequered Flag podcast, Hill stated that a break from F1 for the four-time World Champion could be what he needs after hinting at retirement, saying: "I think if you're not happy doing something, then you can stop and do something else. I mean, I don't think that we should feel obliged to do it."

It's not the first time Hill has spoken about Verstappen's problems with the 2026 machines, after the 1996 World Champion asked whether the Dutchman needed to just 'shut up and drive', and those comments have provoked a response from Kelly Piquet's mother.

"Oh Damon, people need a break from your 'opinion'," said Tamsma on Instagram in response to Hill's comments.

Verstappen has been outspoken on his displeasure with the 2026 machines, hinting at retirement from Formula 1 altogether and admitting to counting down the laps in his head at Suzuka, with his eighth-place finish only lifting him to P9 in the Drivers' Standings.

But it has not just been Hill that has fired criticism towards the 28-year-old regarding his frustrations with racing in 2026, with former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya also having some strong words for the Dutchman.

“If I were him, I’d shut up, deal with it and admit that he's in a s***ar and admit he's frustrated because his car is a piece of crap that is 20 kilos over and it's going to be uncompetitive all year. At the end of the day nobody's bigger than the sport," said the Colombian.