Hill: Red Bull cry over any criticism of Verstappen

Former world champion and departed Sky Sports pundit Damon Hill has said Red Bull are incapable of taking criticism and "cry about it" when pundits speak out against them.

Hill has spoken out against world champion Max Verstappen's aggressive racing style on numerous occasions this year.

One notable example was the move Verstappen pulled on Lando Norris at the Mexico City Grand Prix, which earned him two different 10-second penalties.

In the aftermath on Sky Sports, Hill compared Verstappen to Wacky Races villain Dick Dasterdly.

Red Bull have regularly criticised Sky Sports of being anti-Verstappen -- in the aftermath of the race, father Jos complained of certain "biased" members of their punditry team.

"Red Bull fight their corner very forcefully," Hill, who has left Sky Sports ahead of the coming season, told The Telegraph. "And they don't like criticism of Max."

The 1996 world champion cited Verstappen's racing in Austin last year, in another flashpoint with Norris. During the race, Verstappen dived down the inside and went off the track to pass Norris.

On that occasion, Verstappen was not penalised as the overtake was deemed to be within the rules, although Norris criticised the move afterwards.

"[Last year] Max correctly interpreted to his advantage the rule about overtaking and being ahead at the apex on the inside," Hill said. "There's nothing in the rules that says you can't do that. And it's exciting to see people dive down the inside. Except that no other driver does it.

"And if someone was to do it to him, he'd cry like a baby. And that's one of my issues with them. Red Bull simply can't accept that. No, it really is slightly disappointing, to say the least, that they like to be thought of as the hard kids on the block, but when something doesn't go their way, they cry about it."

Hill insisted he had no issue with Verstappen personally.

"I'm not anti-Max," he said. "This is the point. I think Max is brilliant. I like him. I mean what's not to like? He's sensational. But when I felt he overstepped the mark, I said so. And I think Red Bull have a responsibility, their team management has a responsibility, to the sport, you know?

"If their driver goes over the limit on occasion, they have a responsibility to say 'You can't do that.' And they don't. That's always been my issue with them. That they have almost given Max carte blanche and protected their driver from not sticking to the code, if you like."

Hill added: "What I don't like is jingoism. And I don't like the fact that it became a 'You're against us because we're not British' and all that nonsense, which was used as a way of pressuring us. It's utterly unfair to suggest that there is any kind of anti-Dutch thing going on. What can you do? I thought I was there to express my opinion."

Hill also refuted the suggestion that there is a British bias in the media against Verstappen.

"[Red Bull and the Verstappens] didn't like, particularly, some of the things that were said," he said. "On the whole they've always taken the view that Sky are British-centric and biased, which is really unfair I think. Actually I think there is a desire [the other way].

"I don't think Sky want to be accused of being biased at all. I think they want to be a fair broadcaster of the sport -- credit where credit's due and all that. They also do not want to be denied access to a very important figure in this sport. And I think Red Bull know that, and they apply pressure if they need to."

No official reason was given for Hill's departure from Sky Sports.

When announcing the lineup for 2025, the broadcaster said in a press release: "We thank Damon Hill for 13 incredible years with the Sky Sports F1 team.

"He has been an integral part of our coverage, bringing unparalleled insight, expertise, and passion to our broadcasts. His unique perspective, shaped by his own legendary racing career, has entertained and excited fans worldwide. We wish him all the best in his next chapter."