31 March 2023 , 15:48
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Former F1 world champion Damon Hill admits there are pros and cons to Jos Verstappen's "tough love" approach on son Max.
Verstappen Sr made headlines at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after refusing to even acknowledge his son's teammate Sergio Perez as he celebrated winning the race, with Max finishing second.
And Hill believes Jos' influence has made Max into the ultra-competitive two-time world champion he is today, stating in his latest column for the Telegraph : "The Verstappens are clearly from the school of tough love. To them F1 is no joke, which can at times seem funny to the rest of us.
"Max is cut from the same cloth [as Jos]. Despite storming through from 15th on the grid to second at the finish, he was not best pleased in Saudi Arabia at the 'massive setback' to his challenge of making it three F1 world titles on the trot (a challenge that, after only two races, looks more like a stroll on a red carpet than a crawl over hot coals)."
Hill also recalled interviewing a teenage Verstappen when he was just beginning his F1 career, who was not afraid to bite back at criticism from the legendary Niki Lauda "From the moment he arrived in F1, he stood out as a young man (he was only 17, too young to drive on the public roads!) who knew his destiny," Hill added.
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"I marvelled at his composure and was equally amused by his retort to Lauda, who had evidently suggested (after a few wild and scary Max manoeuvres that had us all concerned for his own and fellow competitors' safety) that he go see a sport psychologist. 'Good!' he quipped when told of Niki's comments by a journalist, 'We can go together!'.
Former F1 world champion Damon Hill (Sky Sports)"Now, I respected Niki like a god. I would never in a million years have had the nerve to say that. But it was not only funny, it showed everyone that this kid can look after himself. And that had to have something to do with the way he was brought up. And that means, Jos."
However, Hill also warned of the potential drawbacks to Jos' "tough love", explaining: "My only 'but' is whether it also sometimes negatively affects him, and perceptions of him.
"Everyone loves a winner, so the saying goes. Only it is not true. Sometimes they don't love a winner who cannot bear the inevitable flipside that gives winning its unique value."