Damon Hill thinks people will ‘disagree’ with his take on Max Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix penalty

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix produced plenty of talking points with the most controversial incident taking place heading into the first corner.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen is well known for mastering the art of the F1 race start.

Lando Norris was frequently caught out by Verstappen last season when they shared the front row of the grid, but on this occasion, it was his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri who did the damage.

Verstappen’s Red Bull produced a decent but not spectacular getaway, and by the time he and Piastri reached the first corner, the Australian was marginally ahead.

The 27-year-old let his foot off the brake, something he’s notorious for in these tight battles, before taking to the run-off area and maintaining the lead, despite cutting turn two.

Verstappen was handed a five-second time penalty, although his team principal Christian Horner didn’t believe that was justified, arguing that Piastri didn’t give his driver enough space.

The stewards disagreed with that notion, and Piastri jumped Verstappen during the only round of pit stops, winning the race by just under three seconds.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Damon Hill says people will ‘disagree’ with his Max Verstappen take

Martin Brundle agreed that Verstappen’s punishment wasn’t harsh enough, citing the fact that by not giving the place back, he enjoyed the benefit of driving in clear air for the entirety of the first stint.

This cost Piastri a couple of seconds, as his tyres went off quicker than he would have liked, although that didn’t ultimately make much of a difference.

Taking to X after the race, 1996 world champion Damon Hill said, “Ed Straw on Verstappen first corner move, “I don’t see how racing works if that move is allowed to happen.” I agree. No doubt others disagree.”

Ed Straw on Verstappen first corner move @wearetherace “I don’t see how racing works if that move is allowed to happen.” I agree. No doubt others disagree. #f1

— Damon Hill (@HillF1) April 21, 2025

It’s not the first time Hill has commented on the 27-year-old’s racing style.

Hill wasn’t impressed by Verstappen’s moves on Norris in Mexico City last season, where the stewards ultimately gave the Red Bull driver two separate penalties.

There were several other incidents throughout last year involving the Dutchman, with Hill giving his verdict on Verstappen’s collision with Norris in Austria, that led to the McLaren driver having to retire from the race after sustaining too much damage to continue.

READ MORE: McLaren driver Oscar Piastri’s life outside F1 from height to girlfriend

Damon Hill’s four-word verdict on Oscar Piastri winning the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Piastri now has three Grand Prix victories in the first five races, and has now matched Norris’ career tally of race wins in less than half the number of events.

He’s now level with the likes of 1982 world champion Keke Rosberg, the criminally underrated John Watson and Formula 1’s first championship winner Giuseppe Farina.

Posting on Instagram after the race in response to a post about Piastri becoming the new championship leader, Hill said, “Softly softly catchy monkey.”

Piastri is unlikely to be a champion in the same mould as Verstappen, who alongside being the quickest driver on the grid, was brash and bold in the driving style to get to the front of the pack.

The Australian appears to be far more measured, but as his move on Lewis Hamilton after his pit stop proved, he’s also capable of producing extraordinary moments as well.