Damon Hill Exposes the Real Reason Why Max Verstappen Respects Oscar Piastri More Than Champion Lando Norris

Damon Hill boldly claimed that Max Verstappen respected Oscar Piastri more than Lando Norris despite the latter's 2025 F1 title win.

Damon Hill Exposes the Real Reason Why Max Verstappen Respects Oscar Piastri More Than Champion Lando Norris

Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

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Lando Norris won the 2025 driver’s title after a long-year full of ups and downs for him and McLaren. The Briton won the title by a mere two points over Max Verstappen. Additionally, Woking was accused of a British bias against Oscar Piastri, as many people in the community turned sour against the team. Now, the 1996 F1 champion Damon Hill shockingly claims why Verstappen respects Piastri more as a driver rather than Norris, who actually won the 2025 F1 title.

Max Verstappen was closely watching all the happenings within McLaren from the sidelines. The Dutchman had even commented on the team’s dramatic driver swap at the Italian GP, which put Oscar Piastri at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, the team turned a blind eye towards Lando Norris‘ antics in the 2025 season and blatantly helped him gain an advantage in the title fight. Though Piastri clearly denied all claims of a British bias being present within Woking.

Speaking on the mutual respect between the championship leaders in the 2025 season, Damon Hill pointed out that Max Verstappen was aware of Oscar Piastri’s habit of not hesitating on the track. Hill continued that Piastri’s highest skill was his ability to attack brutally on track and remain an aggressive and decisive overtaker. Verstappen appreciated this ability of the Aussie and thus believed the latter to be a better overall driver.

Although Lando Norris won the 2025 title, Damon Hill boldly claimed that Max Verstappen respected Oscar Piastri a little more than the former. Hill reckoned that Norris was more wary and circumspect of Verstappen while fighting on track, and hence, the 28-year-old did not fear or respect him much while going racing. The Dutchman was aware of this advantage he had over the 2025 F1 champion, and hence wasn’t afraid of driving elbows out against the Briton.

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 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.

Damon Hill said on the Drive to Wynn podcast.

Ex-F1 driver boldly claims Max Verstappen “not the best overall driver” in 2025

Despite his massive performance struggles mid-way through the 2025 season, Max Verstappen achieved a stellar comeback in results. The Dutchman achieved the most number of race wins and podium finishes in the year. Though Verstappen’s results speak for themselves, ex-F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya boldly claimed that the four-time champion wasn’t the best driver overall.

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Juan Pablo Montoya recalled the entire 2025 season for Red Bull and Max Verstappen. Montoya accepted that Verstappen was indeed strong in the final races of the year. However, the four-time champion wasn’t the best overall driver in the final year of the ground-effect era. The Spaniard then explained that Lando Norris was the top driver since the mid-season and ultimately achieved the driver’s title in 2025.

Verstappen was strong in the final races of the year, he wasn’t the best overall, Midway through the season, the top driver was Lando. At the start of the year, it was Oscar. The problem is that people only remember the recent results.

Juan Pablo Montoya said on the MontoyaAS podcast.

Regardless of the back and forth on the matter, the 2025 season is officially in the books now. Max Verstappen achieved a stellar comeback, and Lando Norris performed well when it mattered the most. Now, the upcoming regulations will provide a stern challenge to all teams and drivers, as no one seems to be the clear favorite for now.

Continue Reading: Oscar Piastri Set to Demand Amendments to McLaren’ Papaya Rules For “Fair Championship fight” in 2026