Max Verstappen SLAMS ‘disrespectful’ booing at the US GP

Max Verstappen was booed by fans at the United States GP last weekend.

Max Verstappen SLAMS ‘disrespectful’ booing at the US GP

Max Verstappen (Via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen has dominated the 2023 Formula 1 season. The Dutch driver even achieved the longest winning streak in the sport’s history this year. However, this has led to resentment among many fans towards the three-time world champion. Now, Verstappen has called out fans for booing him at the US GP last weekend.

The 26-year-old was booed on the podium at COTA after he came home to take the race victory. Max Verstappen believed that F1’s growth in recent years has brought in new fans to the sport who might behave differently than the existing audience. Although, the Dutch driver acknowledged that fans could always support their favorite drivers, there was a need to respect others on the grid.

We gained a lot of new fans over the last few years and they might maybe respond or react a little bit differently to what we had before… I think it’s always good to support your favourite driver, but also to have respect to others.

Max Verstappen told Sky Sports F1

The three-time world champion pointed out that fans should avoid chanting or booing while the national anthem is played on the podium. Verstappen believed that this was disrespectful towards the drivers. The Dutch driver was booed when he took the first-place trophy. Many fans chanted the name of Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez.

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In particular, places while being on the podium when the national anthem is being sung or played, I think it’s always quite disrespectful when you start chanting through these kinds of moments.

Max Verstappen feels it is important to raise awareness against booing in sports

The Red Bull driver highlighted the fact that such incidents occur in sports across the globe and not just in Formula 1. Nevertheless, Verstappen believed that it was necessary to speak out against booing. Previously, the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have faced such backlash from attendees during their prime years in the sport.

Max Verstappen on the US GP podium (Via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen on the US GP podium (Via IMAGO)

At the United States GP, it was believed that the boos were meant for Texas Governor Greg Abbott. However, Max Verstappen was not convinced. The Dutch driver claimed that there was still resentment targeted at him on the podium. Although, the Red Bull driver has always reacted to such incidents with grace.

Max Verstappen would be looking to leave this incident behind and focus on the Mexican GP. The Dutch driver remains the favorite in the streets of Mexico City. However, Red Bull has brought in bodyguards for the 26-year-old after receiving numerous threats on social media. It remains to be seen how fans at the race react to Verstappen’s performance this weekend.

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