“Stop now,” Damon Hill asks Max Verstappen to quit F1 amidst the Dutchman’s retirement threats over sprint races

Max Verstappen is presently the driver to beat in Formula 1. The Dutchman dominated the 2022 season with a record-breaking 15 wins. However, Verstappen has publicly stated his intention not to continue in F1 if the sport brings in “too many changes” in light of sprint races. This comes as a surprise to many as they see a reigning world champion considering leaving the sport. Former world champion Damon Hill expressed his views in this case.

Hill mentioned how Max Verstappen’s retirement threats are something out of the ordinary. He said, “Max’s retirement threat is very unusual.” Damon Hill wondered what the Dutchman would do after leaving the pinnacle of motorsport at the peak of his F1 career. The 62-year-old continued, “It is kind of strange to hear, isn’t it? I mean, what’s he gonna do with himself?”

The former F1 champion went as far as advising Max Verstappen to leave the sport already. As the Dutchman had previously mentioned completing his goal in F1 by winning the championship, Damon stated, “He should stop now, really. Stop now. – he’s done it! ” The 62-year-old speculated if Verstappen actually had fun racing. Hill asked, “Is he having fun, because I sometimes think he’s not having fun.”

Moreover, Damon acknowledged that it’s better for Max Verstappen to look elsewhere if he is not enjoying Formula 1. This would essentially force the Dutchman to continue working extensively on something that doesn’t give him joy. He continued, “I think you have to love what you’re doing, otherwise it’s a grind.”

Discover: Top 10 fastest pit stops in F1

“He’s an old-school racer,” Damon Hill on Max Verstappen

Damon Hill further discussed Max Verstappen’s views on the F1 Sprint. The 62-year-old stated the Dutchman’s opposition to sprint weekends as it hampers Red Bull’s clean dominant weekend and might inflict damage. Hill said, “I think it’s just his way of saying ‘We don’t like Sprint races, because we are winning, and we are winning comfortably. And why would we bring in more risk if we don’t need to? I object, Your Honour!'”

Although, Damon acknowledged that Max Verstappen is more of an F1 traditionalist who wants to preserve the Grand Prix. As many have often criticized major changes to the sport. Hill concluded, “Maybe I’m being cynical. He’s an old-school racer, isn’t he? Max is one of these people that believes in the sanctity of the Grand Prix and that’s definitely a case you could argue.”

Thus, Damon Hill believes it’s better for Max Verstappen to call it quits if the Dutchman loses his love for the sport. As a more conventional F1 driver, Verstappen would prefer to keep the legacy GP weekend without introducing sprint at more races. However, the two-time world champion presently will continue to race in the sport as he looks to clinch his third title.

In case you missed it:

• “Look at the statistics,” Max Verstappen rubbishes Lewis Hamilton’s ‘RB19 is the fastest car ever’ claims
• “He now has many interests outside of racing,” Lewis Hamilton lacks the same motivation as Max Verstappen to thrive in F1, claims Felipe Massa

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW