Damon Hill has publicly rejected Fernando Alonso’s recent assessment of Max Verstappen’s performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Hill, the 1996 World Champion, used social media to voice his strong disagreement with Alonso’s remarks. The exchange highlights differing views on the current championship landscape.
Alonso, a two-time world champion, suggested that Formula 1 is ‘a bit unfair’ given Verstappen’s current struggles. He stated in an interview with Mundo Deportivo that Verstappen, despite being the ‘best driver on the grid,’ is projected to finish fifth or sixth this year.
The Aston Martin driver has frequently expressed frustration with machinery limiting driver potential. Alonso also criticised the 2026 regulations, comparing the new cars to ‘rental cars’ and noting increased energy management limits driver input.
Verstappen currently sits seventh in the Drivers’ Championship with 76 points. This places him 103 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes, following the recent British Grand Prix.
The British Grand Prix at Silverstone saw Verstappen retire on lap 48 after spinning into the gravel at Stowe Corner. This incident, which occurred while he was in a podium position, marked his third effective retirement of the 2026 season.
Reports indicated a rear wing issue on his RB22 contributed to the crash. Verstappen expressed significant frustration over team radio, reportedly stating ‘f*g unbelievable’ and ‘f* this car’ during the event.
Red Bull’s RB22 has faced persistent technical challenges this season. The car exhibits significant balance issues, leading to understeer in various corners and increased tyre degradation.
The rear wing malfunction at Silverstone was a repeat of a similar failure during qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix a week prior. Additionally, the RB22 is reportedly overweight, potentially costing two-tenths of a second per lap.
Hill responded to Alonso’s comments via an Instagram story. He wrote, ‘What a load of rubbish! I strongly disagree with FA here.’
Hill, the 1996 F1 World Champion, transitioned from Sky F1 after the 2024 season. He now serves as a pundit for BBC Radio 5 Live and was appointed an official ambassador for Williams in February this year.
Hill has a history of criticising Verstappen’s aggressive driving style, notably likening him to Dick Dastardly in 2024. He has also questioned Verstappen’s vocal displeasure with the 2026 regulations.
Verstappen has consistently voiced his dissatisfaction with the 2026 technical regulations. He has described the new cars as ‘not a lot of fun’ and ‘Formula E on steroids,’ citing the heavy emphasis on energy management.
Red Bull technical director Pierre Waché acknowledged Verstappen’s heightened sensitivity to the RB22’s shortcomings. Waché noted that some issues, while not major in simulations, are significant for the driver.
