WATCH: “They have to move,” Max Verstappen vents frustration after overtaking the Mercedes duo in the pit lane during the Abu Dhabi GP FP2

Max Verstappen targets 19th win to secure the third-highest total in career victories.

WATCH: “They have to move,” Max Verstappen vents frustration after overtaking the Mercedes duo in the pit lane during the Abu Dhabi GP FP2

Max Verstappen dodging the Mercedes pair at the Yas Marina pit exit. (Credits: screengrab from a video via X)

During the second practice session at the Abu Dhabi GP, crowned champion, Max Verstappen found himself entangled in a pit-lane incident that left him frustrated and critical of his fellow drivers. The Red Bull driver expressed his discontent with slower drivers in the pit lane, emphasizing the urgency of time during the limited practice sessions.

FP2 halted abruptly as Carlos Sainz hit the barriers, prompting red flags. Shortly after the restart, Nico Hulkenberg‘s Haas crashed, causing another red flag. When the session resumed, With time constraints, the cars queued up outside the pit lane for a final push before the session concluded. Max too wanting the same, weaved through a tight space between the wall and the Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. 

YouTube video

This move has triggered a lot of drama and Max speaking about it with Sky Sports F1 said: 

They have to move! They are all driving slow, and I want to go out because we are all limited on time, and they keep on driving in the middle.

His frustration peaked when he detailed an attempt to pass, stating, 

And then when I tried to pass, they tried to squeeze me into the wall, so yeah, bit silly.

Summing up the session, Verstappen expressed his dissatisfaction with his Red Bull car’s performance. Disappointed with the balance and experiencing understeer, he felt unexpectedly far behind.

Fans mock about the fact that Max Verstappen will not get a penalty after the incident

As the video surfaced online, fans expressed their discontent over the incident. Opinions were divided, but a majority criticized Max Verstappen’s overtaking maneuver during Abu Dhabi GP FP2. The move, narrowly avoiding harm to drivers and a cameraman, sparked heated debate. While some argued it was fair and harmless, others were vehemently displeased, citing Verstappen’s history of such incidents. 

Max Verstappen, Red Bull
Max Verstappen, Red Bull (Credits: Daily Express)

Accusations surfaced, claiming he often escapes consequences, with some going as far as suggesting he could ‘get away with murder.’ Frustrated fans targeted the FIA, urging penalties for the driver. Neutrals believed Verstappen took unnecessary risks in FP2, questioning the need for such maneuvers during a practice session. 

Verstappen finished the session in third place behind Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris and will be aiming to maximize tomorrow’s practice for a power-packed qualifying and race. The incident stirred a passionate online discourse, highlighting the contrasting perspectives among Formula 1 fans.

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