Hill opens up on being made to feel "useless and untalented" in Formula 1
F1 News
Damon Hill has opened up about how Michael Schumacher made him feel "useless and untalented" during their heated rivalry in Formula 1. The British driver praised the now seven-time World Champion for mastering the psychological games.
Schumacher and Hill engaged in a fierce rivalry during the 1994 Formula 1 season. Hill, who replaced Ayrton Senna at Williams following his tragic accident, worked his way into the title race. Both were in contention for the World Championship at the final Grand Prix of the season in Australia. Schumacher and Hill collided on track, causing them both to retire. Schumacher, therefore, won his first F1 title.
How does Hill reflect on the F1 rivalry with Schumacher?
It has now been 30 years since the famous incident in Adelaide. Hill reflected on this with the German outlet Bild. "Michael and I actually got on well, but on track we hated each other. It was and is not possible to be any other way if you want to become Formula 1 World Champion. There was no room for niceties. You have to exploit every weakness of your opponent and wear him down with it," Hill said.
"Michael was a master of psychological games. He made me feel like I was useless and untalented. And he told the press that too. Becasue he won a lot of races back then, there was no reason not to believe him," Hill concluded.
Hill went on to win the Formula 1 World Championship during the 1996 season. He then retired in 1999 after spending two seasons with Jordan. Hill put himself back in the spotlight during the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix weekend when reflecting on Max Verstappen's driving style. The now 64-year-old criticised the Dutchman's actions and even linked them to the villain character Dick Dastardly in Whacky Races. Verstappen reacted in the press conference with a short but sharp message. He reminded the media about the three titles he has won.
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