Damon Hill Accuses ‘Icy’ Michael Schumacher of Generating ‘Rotten PR’ During Their Infamous Battles

The opening lap collision between title contenders Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton at the British Grand Prix last weekend has kickstarted a conversation about great rivalries in the sport, which have often taken the form of violent crashes. One such rivalry was the one between Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher, which, like this year, led to a collision in Silverstone.

During the 1995 British GP, Michael Schumacher, a one-time world champion at the time, went to head-to-head against Damon Hill, who dominated most of the race. The Brit started from the pole and lead the initial stages of the race at Silverstone.

While Hill opted for a two-stopper, the German preferred a one-stop strategy. As a result, Schumacher overtook Hill on lap 41.

Damon Hill of Great Britain and driver of the #1 Danka Arrows Yamaha Arrows A18 Yamaha 0X11A V10 sprays champagne to celebrate his second place at the Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring Circuit, Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Michael Coopern/Getty Images).

When the Briton tried to go past Michael four laps later, the two collided and retired from the race.

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Michael Schumacher was an “icy” individual: Damon Hill

During the F1 Nation podcast, when asked if he called Michael Schumacher after the British GP 1995, Damon Hill replied: “No, I didn’t.”

“I didn’t have his phone number, anyway. I mean, Michael was very good at turning off any kind of ability to communicate with him. He was quite icy as an individual in the paddock.

“So, no, I think he wanted his opponent to stew in whatever rotten PR had been generated from his clumsy attempt to pass,” added the 1996 world champion.

1994 British GP marred in Hill-Schumacher controversy too

While the 1995 race in Silverstone witnessed a collision between the two world champions, the previous edition of that race was quite an eventful one too.

IMOLA, SAN MARINO ITALY: Michael Schumacher of Germany and Ferrari during the qualifying session for the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Vladimir Rys/Bongarts/Getty Images)

On the formation lap, the German illegitimately overtook the pole-sitter Damon Hill, for which he was awarded a stop-and-go penalty which he needed to serve before lap 21. However, Schumi overlooked it, and, as a result, was shown a black flag, which means instant disqualification.

Michael ignored that as well, and kept driving after serving his previous penalty on lap 27.

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Hill went to secure the victory, and Schumacher crossed the checkered flag behind him. However, the German was disqualified for ignoring the black flag and subsequently received a two-race ban.

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