Max Verstappen has hit back at Damon Hill for likening him to ‘Dick Dastardly’ after his controversial driving in Mexico City last weekend.
The Red Bull star was handed two 10-second penalties for strong-arm tactics as he and championship rival Lando Norris sparred.
The incidents led Hill to tell the Sky Sports F1 podcast: ‘Max’s problem is that he simply refuses to concede any turf at all to anyone in an overtake.
‘The second move was just daft and Dick Dastardly stuff. He simply accelerated to the apex and drove Lando off the track and Lando didn’t have much option. That was silly driving.’
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix, Verstappen responded to the 1996 world champion’s criticism by saying: ‘I don’t listen to those individuals. I just do my thing. I am a three-time world champion, and I know what I am doing. I have my opinions, and I don’t need to share them.’
Max Verstappen seemed unaffected by the criticism aimed his way by 1996 world champion Damon Hill
Verstappen and his title rival Lando Norris (orange McLaren) engaged in a tense contest on the track in Mexio
Hill accused Verstappen of not playing fair in his bid to retain his world title once again and compared the driver to the iconic 1960s Wacky Races character Dick Dastardly
Asked whose advice he listened to, the Dutchman, who leads Norris by 47 points with another 120 points remaining, added: ‘People that are close to me and objective and not just there to stir,’ he said.
‘Some people are being very annoying, and I know who they are, and I don’t pay attention to them.
‘I trust the people around me who are honest and have a good heart and mean well.’
Norris revealed he has not spoken to Verstappen since their clashes, saying: ‘Deep down Max knows he was in the wrong.’