Damon Hill Recalls René Arnoux Calling Him the 'Worst Driver Ever'

1996 World Champion Damon Hill recently appeared on the 'Stay on Track' podcast, recounting a fiery encounter from his Formula 3000 days. Hill revealed that legendary French driver René Arnoux once branded him the "worst driver ever" following a track incident. Despite the harshness of the comment, Hill took the criticism as a compliment coming from such an iconic figure.

Why it matters:

This anecdote sheds light on the intense pressure and scrutiny drivers face even before reaching Formula 1. It also contrasts the subjective opinions of current peers with the objective reality of performance. Hill’s ability to brush off a legendary driver's insult speaks to the mental resilience required to eventually become a World Champion.

The details:

• The Incident: The confrontation happened after Hill made contact with one of Arnoux's managed drivers during a Formula 3000 race.
• The Quote: Arnoux approached Hill and stated, "You’re the worst driver I’ve ever seen in my life!"
• Hill's Perspective: Hill found humor in the insult. Given Arnoux’s reputation for aggressive, hard-nosed racing, Hill interpreted the critique as a perverse compliment.
• Arnoux's Legacy: While Arnoux never secured a world title, he is revered for his legendary battles, particularly the 1979 French Grand Prix duel with Gilles Villeneuve and his fierce rivalry with Didier Pironi.

The big picture:

Hill’s career trajectory ultimately proved Arnoux wrong. From being criticized in the junior formulas to winning the 1996 F1 title with Williams, Hill's legacy stands in stark contrast to that early assessment. The story serves as a reminder that early career criticisms often fade in the face of tangible success at the highest level of motorsport.