Damon Hill says Max Mosley used his intelligence for hatred and division

Damon Hill, the 1996 F1 champion, called former FIA boss Max Mosley a man who used his intelligence to spread hatred and division. Hill’s remark followed a tribute from ex‑McLaren communications chief Matt Bishop that called Mosley “scarily intelligent”, reigniting debate over Mosley’s legacy.

Why it matters:

• Mosley’s safety reforms after Senna’s 1994 death saved lives and set modern F1 standards.
• His tenure also sparked high‑profile disputes, from the $100 million Spygate fine to a 2008 privacy case, shaping driver‑FIA relations.

The details:

• Hill’s quote: “Don’t be fooled… intelligence used for hatred and division.”
• Mosley led the FIA (1993‑2009), pushing safety and early green‑tech projects.
• Key safety wins: HANS device, stronger barriers, credited for Romain Grosjean’s 2020 crash survival.
• Controversies: $100 million Spygate fine on McLaren, 2008 privacy ruling (£60 000 damages) and alleged bias against Ron Dennis.

What's next:

• New biographies and documentaries will revisit Mosley’s impact, influencing how future generations view FIA governance.
• Hill’s sharp criticism may prompt other ex‑drivers to speak out, potentially reshaping the sport’s historical narrative.