Damon Hill Criticizes Verstappen’s Driving, Citing “Dick Dastardly” Tactics

Former world champion Damon Hill has likened Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to the Wacky Races antagonist Dick Dastardly, following Verstappen’s world title victories in each of the past three seasons. During Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix, Verstappen received a total 20-second penalty due to two distinct incidents involving his title competitor, Lando Norris. The Dutch driver concluded the race in sixth position, while McLaren’s Norris, who characterized Verstappen’s driving as “dangerous,” secured second place. On a Sky Sports podcast, Hill stated, “The area footage is very clear. He made no attempt to back off and make the corner and leave room for Lando. It was simply a case of you are not coming through.” He further commented, “The second move was just daft and Dick Dastardly stuff. He accelerated to the apex and drove Lando off the track and Lando didn’t have much option. That was silly driving.” Dick Dastardly, a character from the 1960s animated TV series Wacky Races, and featured in subsequent cartoons and films, was known for employing deceptive tactics to achieve victory. Verstappen remarked, “I just drive how I think I have to drive. Last week it was all right, this week 20 seconds penalty.” He added, “I am not going to cry about it and I am also not going to share my opinion. The biggest problem I had is that it was a bad day in terms of race pace.” Verstappen and Norris had also been involved in an incident during the preceding race held in Austin, Texas. Although a comparable incident occurred between the two at the United States Grand Prix, the result differed significantly, with Norris receiving a penalty for attempting an outside pass on Verstappen, which led to both drivers entering the run-off area. The 2024 season still has four Grands Prix left, with racing set to recommence this weekend in Brazil. Hill further stated, “They say that sport doesn’t build character, it shows character, and his default is to revert to preventative methods rather than trying to keep it within the bounds of fairness. You shouldn’t be allowed to use your car as a weapon and simply block the track.” Verstappen is pursuing his fourth consecutive world championship; his advantage over Norris, who seeks his inaugural title, is 47 points, with 120 points still available.