Verstappen's actions, which included two aggressive moves against title rival Lando Norris, led to two separate 10-second penalties and two penalty points on his super license, ultimately narrowing his championship lead over Norris to 47 points ahead of this weekend\u2019s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hill, a seasoned critic of racing conduct, believes Red Bull has been overly permissive with Verstappen, allowing him a level of freedom on track that could potentially harm his long-term reputation. \u201cThere\u2019s never any attempt to publicly describe his driver in a way that other people would recognise it,\u201d Hill said on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast. \u201cIt is always a protective comment from Christian about Max. It almost appears as though Max is free to do whatever he likes.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Horner, in his defense of Verstappen, argued that while the Turn Four penalty was questionable based on team data, he understood the penalty for the Turn Eight manoeuvre. He acknowledged Verstappen's aggressive style, stating that Verstappen would \u201calways drive aggressively\u201d within Formula 1\u2019s regulations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Hill cautioned that Red Bull may need to discuss boundaries with their star driver: \u201cHis team will never criticise the way he drives. And I think if you're in a competition, that's probably fine to do that publicly. But really, at some point, there has to be a conversation. It\u2019s the responsibility of the team to also contribute to the driver's attitude.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The tensions between Verstappen and Norris have escalated over recent races, with another flashpoint occurring just a week prior at the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin. During that race, Norris was penalized for leaving the track and gaining an advantage while overtaking Verstappen, sparking debates over Formula 1\u2019s overtaking regulations, which suggest that the driver reaching the corner\u2019s apex first has priority.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on the matter, F1 commentator and former driver Martin Brundle warned that Verstappen\u2019s contentious on-track behaviour might \u201ctaint his legacy.\u201d Both Brundle and Hill, who raced against legends like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, saw similar controversies in the careers of these iconic drivers. Hill highlighted the ferocity of Senna\u2019s racing, noting that even the Brazilian icon faced scrutiny over his aggressive tactics.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAyrton Senna was very brutal with some of his tactics and his aggressiveness, and that was questioned at the time as well,\u201d Hill said. \u201cHe was a formidable competitor, and sometimes the anger in him got the better of him.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hill suggested that F1\u2019s regulatory body, the FIA, has a duty to balance competition with control. \u201cThe FIA or the sporting authorities have to step in,\u201d Hill stated. \u201cThey have to be able to say, \u2018OK, we want competition and see that fieriness, but it has to be controlled. It can\u2019t just be a demolition derby to keep your place or deny everyone getting a place just because you don\u2019t want to be overtaken.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAyrton Senna was very brutal with some of his tactics and his aggressiveness, and that was questioned at the time as well,\u201d Hill said. \u201cHe was a formidable competitor, and sometimes the anger in him got the better of him.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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