FIA steward hints at Max Verstappen factor behind Damon Hill’s Sky F1 exit
Johnny Herbert reckoned Damon Hill's Sky Sports F1 exit could be linked with him receiving backlash for criticizing Max Verstappen.
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Damon Hill, Max Verstappen and Johnny Herbert, images via IMAGO and Planet F1
Former F1 champion Damon Hill recently announced his exit from Sky Sports F1 after spending a dozen years with the sports broadcaster. This saw people try to guess the possible reasons behind his unexpected departure from Sky F1.
FIA steward Johnny Herbert gave his thoughts on a possible connection with Max Verstappen that resulted in Damon Hill‘s exit. Hill is a revered figure in the paddock owing to his vast experience behind the wheel.
Hill was a lucrative option for any sports news outlet/broadcaster to get his services as he had retired a few decades back. This caught Sky Sports’ eye in 2012 and they brought him to their arsenal of reporters.
However, the 64-year-old’s recent comments over Max Verstappen‘s Mexican GP fallout led to him being battered around by fans for allegedly biased reporting. Subsequently, this might have led Hill to call time on his reporting role with Sky F1, according to Johnny Herbert.
I don’t know whether it was [Hill’s] decision or Sky’s, to be honest. Was it an enjoyment factor? Potentially. I know he got criticism for the Max scenarios and maybe he felt, ‘You know what, I don’t need that.’ He was very unhappy at the crazy level of abuse he got over his Max comments, Maybe all that negativity made him decide.
Johnny Herbert said (via Flashscore USA)
However, no official reason is available for Hill’s departure. Thus, conspiracies are expected to emerge from around the paddock with no clear answer in sight.
Johnny Herbert backed sacked F1 driver to replace Damon Hill
On the other hand, with Damon Hill’s exit, Sky Sports F1 will be looking to fill in the void created by another former F1 driver. With the British broadcaster possibly looking for such a personality, Johnny Herbert deemed Daniel Ricciardo to be the best alternative in light of the current circumstances.
Herbert then elaborated on how Ricciardo’s contagious smile and likable personality would be a positive for Sky F1. This would aid the English media company to drive in audiences from various regions.
Daniel Ricciardo [would be my pick]. He has the experience, the smiley face, is telegenic and is very popular. He has a nice demeanour and a very good way of sharing the experience that he has had. He has had good and bad times too. All those experiences are what people want to hear about. Daniel would be a good addition.
Johnny Herbert said (via Flashscore USA)
Despite Herbert’s backing, the Aussie would possibly enjoy his time off from racing. This would urge Sky Sports F1 to recruit another analyst for Hill’s job, which might be tough for them amidst the plummeting respect for British media in the F1 fanbase.
On the other hand, the ex-F1 champion’s criticism of the Dutchman would not mean much in the grand scheme of things as Verstappen is anticipated to win his fourth driver’s title in the next few rounds. He has a 62-point advantage which would require a miracle for Lando Norris to win the championship as only three Grand Prix weekends remain.
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Geetansh Pasricha
(772 Articles Published)