Fernando Alonso's Max Verstappen F1 claim dubbed 'rubbish' by ex-F1 star

Fernando Alonso’s Max Verstappen F1 claim dubbed 'rubbish' by ex-F1 star: Former F1 champion Damon Hill criticized Fernando Alonso after the Aston Martin driver suggested that Formula 1 has been unfair to Max Verstappen amid his difficult 2026 season. Verstappen is currently seventh in the Drivers’ standings, about 103 points behind championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and is still seeking his first victory of the year. Hill rejected Alonso’s implication that the car’s performance, rather than the driver, explains Verstappen’s lack of competitiveness. Speaking to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Alonso argued Verstappen remains the standout talent on the grid and questioned whether new technical regulations are doing him justice. Hill responded on Instagram with a brief dismissal, calling it “a load of rubbish.” The debate echoes other prior remarks, including Hill’s earlier comparisons involving Verstappen and his view that wheel-to-wheel aggression can be distinct from competitiveness, citing his motorcycle racing background. With Verstappen’s future increasingly discussed due to Red Bull’s struggles, the argument is unlikely to fade soon.