Damon Hill axed from Sky F1 team for criticising Verstappen?

Hill's departure from the Sky F1 punditry team, announced in mid-November 2024, sparked speculation about the reasons behind the decision to axe him, which resurfaced again recently.

Hill, a 22-time Grand Prix winner, had been part of Sky F1’s coverage for 13 years. He reflected on his tenure, stating: "It's been a fantastic 13 years with Sky Sports F1, but all good things come to an end.

"I will miss the most impressive group of professionals I have ever had the pleasure of working with. And I look forward to new challenges," he added.

His exit led to widespread discussion among fans, with many expressing disappointment. Some questioned whether Sky F1 was undergoing a generational shift in its line-up, while others suggested Hill’s past criticism of Max Verstappen might have played a role.

Former Sky F1 colleague Johnny Herbert, who was dropped as an FIA Formula 1 steward, had also been outspoken regarding Verstappen's on track antics.

Speaking to The Telegraph, 64-year-old Hill addressed the speculation; he said: "I would like to believe that my departure had nothing to do with Verstappen.

"But I had a feeling that it would probably come to an end. I felt a little pushed aside last year and was only called up for races that were not so attractive.

"They just hired younger, fresher people - like Jenson Button or Nico Rosberg," he pointed out. "I can understand that too, they are a little closer to the action than I am, and at the end of the day we are talking about television here - as a broadcaster, you have to offer a little visual feast."

Despite his departure, Hill remains complimentary of the broadcaster’s work.

"I think Sky is doing a brilliant job and Martin Brundle is a genius," he emphasized. Brundle himself has previously suggested uncertainty over his own long-term future with the network.

As for what comes next, Hill confirmed he will be involved in F1 coverage elsewhere. He said: "Well, I have to do some work and there are a few offers. I will fly to Melbourne for the start of the World Championship and work there for the Australian Network 10.

"But I certainly won't be jetting around the world just to stand around in the paddock doing nothing. At Sky I sometimes had the feeling that I was not being able to make the best possible contribution.

"There were one or two interviews that I would have liked to do for the channel, but unfortunately, I didn't have the time. But I don't want to moan - I took it on as a temporary job and stayed for 13 years," he noted.

Looking ahead, the son of two-time F1 champion Graham Hill is open to a return to team involvement; saying: "That would be fabulous. I'm a born competitor, it's in my blood, and it would be nice to support someone in this way."

An F1 testing veteran before he made his F1 debut, Hill was a thus late starter in F1 but was privileged to be a teammate to two F1 legends, Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna at Williams.

The death of the Brazilian at Imola in 1994 promoted Hill to Williams team leader at the time. He rewarded them with the F1 drivers' championship in 1996.