The criticism of Max Verstappen after the Formula 1 Japanese GP has gained a new chapter off the track. Sylvia Tamsma, mother of Kelly Piquet and therefore mother-in-law of the Dutch driver, reacted publicly to comments made by former driver and 1996 F1 champion, Damon Hill.
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The debate arose after a difficult weekend for Verstappen, who finished only in eighth position in Japan, even behind Pierre Gasly’s Alpine. The result increased criticism of the performance of the 2026 cars and the dissatisfaction shown by some drivers.
During an appearance on the BBC’s ‘F1: Chequered Flag’ podcast, Hill suggested that the four-time champion could consider a career break: “I think if you’re not happy doing something, you can stop and do something else. I don’t think we should feel obligated to continue,” the former driver stated.
It wasn’t the first time Hill commented on the Dutchman’s situation. The 1996 champion had previously questioned whether Verstappen should simply ‘stop complaining and drive’, a statement that generated strong repercussions and motivated the response from the driver’s family.
Sylvia Tamsma responded directly to the criticism in a social media post: “Oh Damon, people need a break from your ‘opinions’,” she wrote in a direct tone.
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She also defended the Red Bull Racing driver, stating that the complaints do not only come from the Dutchman: “It seems you are too old to understand that it’s not just Max, but that all the drivers are complaining,” she added.
Finally, Tamsma criticized the specific focus on Verstappen: “Singling out only Max is quite unpleasant, don’t you think?”, she concluded.
The episode reinforces the atmosphere of tension surrounding the 2026 rules and the current performance of the cars. Criticism of the new machines has been frequent in the paddock, and the discussion has now moved beyond the Formula 1 environment, also involving family members and former drivers.
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