Former Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill has publicly challenged Red Bull team principal Christian Horner’s handling of star driver Max Verstappen, raising concerns over what he perceives as a lenient approach to the Dutchman’s on-track conduct. The critique comes in the wake of Verstappen’s recent performances, including incidents that have drawn widespread scrutiny during the 2025 season.
Hill, the 1996 F1 titleholder, expressed his reservations in a recent interview, pointing to Horner’s reluctance to address Verstappen’s aggressive driving style. “Max is an incredible talent, no one can deny that,” Hill said. “But there’s a fine line between brilliance and recklessness, and I’m not sure Christian is doing enough to rein him in when it matters.” The comments follow Verstappen’s dominant victory at the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6, where he showcased his skill but also reignited debates about his uncompromising approach on the track.
The 27-year-old Verstappen, a four-time world champion, has been a polarizing figure in F1, often lauded for his fearless racing but criticized for pushing boundaries. Hill specifically referenced incidents from earlier races, such as Verstappen’s clashes with McLaren’s Lando Norris in Mexico last season, where Horner described the events as mere “racing incidents” rather than issuing a stronger stance. “Christian seems to give Max carte blanche,” Hill remarked. “If you’re the team principal, you have to set the tone. Not addressing these moments risks normalizing behavior that could spiral out of control.”
Horner, however, has consistently defended his driver, emphasizing Verstappen’s ability to deliver results under pressure. Following the Japanese Grand Prix, where Verstappen secured pole and led every lap to victory, Horner hailed it as “one of Max’s best weekends,” crediting the team’s drastic car setup changes and Verstappen’s precision. “He was inch-perfect for 53 laps with two very fast McLarens behind him,” Horner told reporters. “That’s the Max we know—unstoppable when it clicks.”
Despite Red Bull’s struggles earlier in the 2025 season, with McLaren holding a stronger car pace, Verstappen’s win in Japan kept him firmly in the drivers’ championship hunt, trailing Norris by just one point. Yet, Hill argues that Horner’s reluctance to critique Verstappen publicly could undermine the team’s long-term discipline. “You can’t just praise the wins and ignore the failures,” Hill said. “Leadership is about balance, and I’m not seeing that balance here.”
The tension between Hill and Verstappen is not new. The former Sky Sports pundit has previously clashed with the Red Bull driver, once calling him a “cry baby” and accusing him of using “fear and intimidation” against rivals. Hill’s latest comments add to an ongoing narrative of friction, with some fans on X accusing him of bias, while others echo his concerns about Horner’s management style.