Verstappen 'not getting freaked out' saved Red Bull - Hill

F1 champion Damon Hill has praised Max Verstappen's typical "brilliance" for coming to the team's aid in Canada.

In the build-up to the event in Montreal, it was suggested the Circuit Gilles Villleneuve would work against the team's RB20 and its lack of kerb-riding after the difficulties the car experienced during the previous race weekend in Monaco.

Yet, Verstappen leaned on all his experience, coming within a whisker of landing pole position, only to dead heat with Mercedes' George Russell and start second as the Briton had posted his pole lap ahead of the Dutch driver.

Throughout the race, Verstappen had to exercise early patience before it played into his hands, after which he controlled despite the pressure of the conditions and the two safety car periods.

Reflecting on Verstappen's performance, speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast, 1996 champion Hill said: "You have to say that it's now probably a good couple of races this year where the win for Red Bull has come down to Max's brilliance and his ability to keep calm under pressure."

Hill 'stating the bleeding obvious' on Verstappen

He added: "I was very impressed with the way he didn't get freaked out, when he didn't get the jump at the start. He slotted in, he seemed to be biding his time.

"Even though he's complaining about problems with the car, he can't touch the kerbs, he always sounds on the radio to be pretty relaxed - the only time he doesn't sound relaxed is when he's annoyed about something or someone, so he vents his fury.

"Otherwise, he's able to drive at the top of the game of Formula 1 and still think clearly and strategise and take his opportunities.

"He got an opportunity and he held on to it. He didn't drop the ball or anything like that, and you have to say that he's just very, very good."

Recognising the understatement of his closing remark, Hill then joked: "I'm stating the bleeding obvious, I'm afraid. I don't get any points for that one."