WATCH: US GP crowd boos Max Verstappen during his 50th milestone race win celebration

Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, secured a remarkable 50th career victory at the United States GP, adding another chapter to his storied career. However, what should have been a moment of celebration and triumph was instead marked by a chorus of boos from the crowd in Austin. The overwhelming disapproval and jeers seemed to overshadow Verstappen’s impressive achievement.

Verstappen’s victory in Austin was nothing short of extraordinary. Starting from sixth on the grid at the Circuit of the Americas, he embarked on a thrilling comeback journey. From the very first turn, Verstappen made his intentions clear, quickly ascending to fifth place. Throughout the race, he had to deal with a brake issue and fend off a late charge from Lewis Hamilton to grab his 14th win.

However, as Verstappen stood on the podium to receive his winner’s trophy, the atmosphere turned stark. Instead of cheers and applause, he was met with a cacophony of boos that resonated through the Texan air. The crowd’s disapproval was so profound that it dominated the ceremony, casting a shadow over the Dutchman’s remarkable accomplishment.

The source of this vocal discontent appeared to be twofold. Firstly, a significant portion of the crowd was firmly in favor of Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez. Hailing from Mexico, Perez has cultivated a substantial following in the United States, partly thanks to Texas’ proximity to Mexico. This passionate support for Perez became evident while playing the Dutch national anthem when fans chanted “Checo, Checo,” overshadowing the anthem itself.

Lewis Hamilton supporters brand Max Verstappen yet again as a “Cheater”

Secondly, the disapproval stemmed from the fervent support for Lewis Hamilton, who was denied an eighth-world title in the most contentious ways by Verstappen. Hamilton enjoys a sizable American fanbase, and when he received his trophy for the second-place finish, the crowd responded with a thunderous roar of approval. The Hamilton fanbase chanted the “cheater, cheater” chants. 

This episode at the United States Grand Prix was reminiscent of a similar incident the previous year when Verstappen faced a hostile reception from fans at the Circuit of the Americas. F1 fans often greet dominant drivers with chilly receptions, consistent with a history of sporting dominance.

Despite the negative reception, Verstappen’s victory in Austin was a testament to his remarkable skill and determination. The driver remained unfazed, showing remarkable composure in the face of adversity. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career, and he expressed his pride and determination to continue pushing for success in the sport.

In case you missed it:

• WATCH: $80 Million worth boxer Anthony Joshua pushes Esteban Ocon’s Alpine F1 car at US GP
• “No, F**k man,” Lewis Hamilton goes on a furious radio rant after staying out of the pits cost him positions to Max Verstappen at US GP

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