Former F1 champion Damon Hill praised Max Verstappen following the Dutchman’s dominant performance at the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix. Verstappen, starting from P2, surged ahead on the first lap and held the lead to claim his ninth victory of the season and 63rd overall.
The race, held at the Lusail International Circuit, marked the penultimate round of the 2024 Formula 1 season and the final Sprint weekend. Verstappen, who had already secured his fourth consecutive world title in Las Vegas the week before, continued to prove his mettle.
Hill, the 1996 F1 champion, took to Instagram to celebrate Verstappen’s achievement, sharing a story with the caption:
The simple but emphatic statement underscored Hill’s admiration for Verstappen’s exceptional performance this season.While Verstappen celebrated yet another triumph, the race was not without its share of drama. His long-time rival, Lewis Hamilton, endured a nightmare weekend, suffering two penalties and a puncture that left him far from contention.
For McLaren, the race brought mixed emotions. Oscar Piastri secured a podium finish in P3, but teammate Lando Norris’s 10-second stop-and-go penalty for a safety car violation crushed the team’s hopes of overtaking Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship.
Ferrari also experienced a bittersweet day, with Charles Leclerc finishing a commendable P2 while Carlos Sainz fell victim to a puncture that cost him valuable positions.
Following his title win in Las Vegas, Verstappen stirred discussions by stating that he could have won championships driving Hamilton’s 2021 Mercedes or Norris’s current McLaren. The comments sparked debates about the dominance of Red Bull’s RB20 car, which has been nearly unbeatable throughout the season.
Hill, however, defended Verstappen’s confidence and talent. Sharing another Instagram story, he praised the Dutchman, writing:
The season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit is set to see Ferrari and McLaren face off for second place in the Constructors’ Championship. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s dominance ensures he remains the man to beat, with his relentless streak continuing to define the 2024 season.
As the curtain closes on another thrilling year, Verstappen’s achievements solidify his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest competitors.
