Damon Hill publicly expressed disappointment over Max Verstappen‘s dismissive reaction to Lewis Hamilton securing his fourth Formula 1 world championship. Hill shared a throwback video on his official Instagram account that captured an exchange between Verstappen and Kimi Raikkonen shortly after Hamilton’s 2017 US Grand Prix victory, which clinched his fourth title.
The video shows Verstappen reacting to Raikkonen’s comments about Hamilton’s achievement during the 2017 Mexico City Grand Prix. Recalling this moment, Verstappen appeared indifferent, which prompted Hill to criticize the Dutch driver’s lack of respect for Hamilton’s accomplishment.
Verstappen’s Remarks and Raikkonen’s Response at the 2017 Mexico City GP
Following Hamilton’s landmark win in Texas, the drivers prepared for the Mexico City race where Kimi Raikkonen was asked about Hamilton’s historic fourth championship. Before Raikkonen could respond, Verstappen interjected, saying, “Basically you don’t care, right?”
“No, I don’t, man.” Can we be happy about it? I don’t think we can. I think, in a way, yes.”
Raikkonen’s initial reply expressed lukewarm feelings, and Verstappen followed up with:
“I think we prefer to be in that position right?”
Raikkonen ultimately acknowledged Hamilton’s success with a slightly more positive note:
“I think we can be happy for him, yeah.”
Despite Raikkonen’s reluctant approval, Verstappen’s early skepticism stood out, drawing criticism later from Hill. The 2017 Mexico City Grand Prix saw Verstappen, Raikkonen, and Valtteri Bottas occupying the top three positions, while Hamilton, despite starting on pole, finished ninth.
Lewis Hamilton Reflects on Becoming a Four-Time World Champion
In response to his record-setting fourth title, Hamilton shared heartfelt reflections about his journey and the significance of this achievement back in 2017. The then-Mercedes driver spoke of dedication and persistence as key factors, emphasizing both personal growth and team effort:
“I try to not leave any stone unturned – and that’s the philosophy the whole team have had. As a driver, I’m always trying to raise the bar.”
“Just the other day, I was reminiscing about growing up in Stevenage, watching TV, and one day dreaming of being in F1. Here we are, 25 years later or whatever it is and I’m four-time world champion. A big, big thank you to all the fans. Thank you for your continuous support,” he further added.
Hamilton’s triumph that season also placed him among F1’s most elite drivers, joining names like Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Alain Prost, all of whom had secured four or more world championships.
Significance and Reactions to Hamilton’s Fourth Championship
Damon Hill’s public rebuke highlights the respect and admiration Hamilton’s achievement deserves within the sport. Verstappen’s visible reluctance to celebrate Hamilton’s success contrasted with the history-making moment, sparking discussion around sportsmanship among top drivers. As Hamilton continues to build his legacy, such reactions may fuel ongoing rivalries and add tension within the F1 community.
Looking ahead, Hamilton’s record-setting status cements his place as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history, while Verstappen’s stance invites scrutiny about how emerging talents respect the achievements of established champions. The evolving dynamics between these drivers will remain a focal point in upcoming seasons.
