Max Verstappen doesn’t need Silverstone’s affection - but says that the British crowd will take him to their hearts if he puts on ‘a damn good show.’
The reigning champion has always been left in the shade by Lewis Hamilton as punters have favoured their home favourite. With George Russell now competing for attention and Lando Norris growing his band of supporters, space is tight in the hearts for those attending the Northamptonshire circuit.
But Damon Hill believes that if the Dutchman keeps serving up fast and furious action that he will soon boast his own army of support. Hill said: “Max is a thoroughbred racing driver. He doesn’t seem to be interested in anything other than getting into the car - winning races - and then going home to live his life.
“He’s not sentimental about anything. He’s very smart. He’s impressed me with his maturity - even from the early days when he was 17 years old. At that age, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. He’s always wanted to be a F1 driver. And world champion. A winner. The way I read it is that his life is directed in that one way. Some people aren’t like that - most of the young guys are - they’ve been racing karts since they were tiny.
“But it seems he’s not distracted or interested in the extraneous things you see. He’s not, for instance, like Daniel Ricciardo who is a performer as well. He likes to project his personality. He’s not like Lewis, or Sebastian Vettel who are campaigning. It’s all he’s there to do - work with his team - and win.”
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Verstappen was engulfed in controversy last season after a collision with Hamilton at Copse which saw the Red Bull driver shunted off the track. But Hill says that he doesn’t crave the spotlight, adding: “I don’t get the idea Max is someone who needs love from the fans. He’s not trying to garner those emotions. He gets on with his job. If people want to adore him, then he’s quite comfortable with that, but he doesn’t need it.
“I think the British fans love F1. They love motorsport and they appreciate anyone who gives it 100 per cent and puts on a damn good show. When Ferrari won at Silverstone a few years ago, team principal Maurizio Arrivabene was thankful and surprised at the reception they got. Mainly because if you win in Italy and you are not Ferrari, you don’t get any kind of reception! The British love their sport - I know Max was the villain after Abu Dhabi - but he was just doing what he’s built to do and Lewis is the same.”
