Damon Hill delivers Max Verstappen ‘masterclass’ verdict after Sao Paulo Grand Prix feud

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An ongoing feud between Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, his team and the British media created an unusual undertone during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

In the build-up to the final race in the triple-header, Max Verstappen was the subject of plenty of talk after his driving approach was questioned at the previous race in Mexico City.

Verstappen was handed two 10-second penalties during a battle with championship rival Lando Norris and after the Brit won the Sprint Race in Brazil, the gap in the Drivers’ Championship briefly narrowed to 44 points.

Damon Hill was one of several figures in Formula 1 who spoke about Verstappen’s conduct in both Mexico City and the previous race in Austin.

Hill urged Christian Horner to talk publicly about Verstappen’s driving style, suggesting that the Red Bull team principal sometimes attempts to defend the indefensible.

Verstappen picked up another penalty which Hill responded to in the Sprint Race in Brazil, although he was very much referring to the pressure building on him in the championship at the time, rather than referring to his criticism.

The Dutchman then produced one of the greatest drives of his career in Sunday’s Grand Prix to all but confirm that he’ll be a four-time world champion.

Hill posted on his Instagram in the aftermath of the race and reflected on the 27-year-old’s performance.

He not only praised Verstappen’s race but suggested he may be key to his success this season.

Damon Hill gives his verdict on Max Verstappen’s win at the Brazilian Grand Prix

On his social media account, Hill said: “Bye bye Brazil. And bye-bye Championship showdown.

“But after all the stops and starts and bad humour earlier in the day, it turned out nice again for Max and Red Bull after a masterclass performance of the Senna, Schumacher, Hamilton category.

“I’ve never seen them look so triumphant. It’s been a long time coming. The last win was back in Spain.

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“Oddly enough, also the last race I attended with @skysportsf1! So maybe I’m a lucky charm after all!

“Now all that’s left is the Constructors’ Championship. But I don’t care so much for that one.

“It’s all about the Drivers’ [Championship] for me. They are the stars, the ones who lay it all on the line. Viva Las Vegas!”

Max Verstappen’s jibe at the media after Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the race, Horner was surprised that Hill was so positive about Verstappen’s display after his recent comments.

However, the Dutchman made every overtake very cleanly in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

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Although, it would have been interesting to see what would have happened if Verstappen had come up behind Norris having overtaken him during the red flag sequence by not pitting.

Horner claimed Verstappen was the best driver in the world after the race and at the moment it’s very difficult to disagree.

Verstappen also couldn’t help poking fun at the British media for apparently not turning up to his post-race press conference.

However, a theory has emerged about why the British press didn’t attend Verstappen’s media session despite producing one of his greatest-ever drives.