Damon Hill has left Sky Sports F1 after 13 years as a pundit, with the 1996 Formula 1 champion announcing his departure towards the end of the 2024 season.
The 64-year-old revealed his exit on social media after being a key figure in Sky's coverage for more than a decade.
His departure came shortly after controversy surrounding comments he made about Max Verstappen, when he likened the Red Bull driver to fictional Wacky Races character Dick Dastardly.
Hill had criticised Verstappen's approach to battling with title rival Lando Norris following their on-track skirmishes at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Damon Hill has left his role on Sky Sports as a pundit
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The comments prompted an unhappy response from Verstappen, who suggested Sky was being more supportive of British drivers.
In a recent interview, Hill revealed he felt "pushed back" in the months leading up to his departure from Sky.
"I was kind of pushed back all last year," Hill said.
He explained that he was assigned "the less attractive races" as the broadcaster brought in fresher talent.
Hill acknowledged Sky's decision to feature younger pundits like Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg.
"They've got younger, fresher names. They've got Jenson, they've got Nico. And that's fair enough - I completely get it," he said.
The former world champion added: "They're closer to the front line than I am. And it's TV. There's got to be a bit of eye-candy factor to it."
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Despite publicly shrugging off his exit and joking he had been "winging it for 13 years", Hill's comments suggest a gradual transition had been underway.
When asked if his criticism of Verstappen had played a role in his Sky exit, Hill was measured in his response.
"I would like to think not. I hope not," he said.
Hill noted that Red Bull "fight their corner very forcefully and they don't like criticism of Max".
He referenced how the team had reacted to his comments about Verstappen.
"Red Bull know that, and they apply pressure if they need to," Hill explained.
Damon Hill insisted Sky Sports have younger presenters while he was given 'less attractive' races
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The former champion suggested the team protects their star driver when he pushes boundaries.
"They have almost given Max carte blanche and protected their driver from not sticking to the code," he said.
Hill maintained this has been his "issue" with Red Bull's approach.
He believes team management has "a responsibility to the sport" when drivers exceed limits.
Hill strongly rejected accusations of bias in his analysis during his time at Sky.
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Damon Hill, who won the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 1996 with Williams, had been a Sky Sports pundit for 13 years
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"On the whole they've always taken the view that Sky are British-centric and biased, which is really unfair I think," he said.
The former champion believes Sky aims to be impartial in its coverage.
"I don't think Sky want to be accused of being biased at all. I think they want to be a fair broadcaster of the sport," Hill explained.
He was particularly hurt by suggestions that bias influenced his analysis.
Hill emphasised that he admires Verstappen despite his criticisms.
"I'm not anti-Max. This is the point. I think Max is brilliant. I like him. What's not to like? He's sensational," he said.
He clarified that his criticisms were only when he felt the driver "overstepped the mark".
