Formula 1: Max Verstappen has asked F1 fans not to react like football fans after a progression of threatening environments as of late. The Dutchman was booed at Silverstone and the Orange Army did likewise to Lewis Hamilton at the Red Bull Ring last time out, with Verstappen asking those in attendance should enjoy the battle on track. Follow Formula 1 and French GP LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
After the Austrian Grand Prix, the Dutchman said, “First of all: In every country, the fans in the grandstand decide the atmosphere. Those are the fans we consciously perceive, very loudly. I think on other parts of the track there is always a healthy mix between the individual fan groups.”
“Basically, I think it’s a shame that the fans actually react like football fans. They always boo at the opponent. In the Netherlands, they boo Lewis, in England me. I think it’s a pity because we often fight extremely tough, high-quality fights. You have to respect your opponent,” Verstappen added.
“I am a PSV fan. But when I watch a great football match, I enjoy it, whether my team wins or loses. It would be nice if fan behaviour in our sport was the same. And that, despite all the rivalry, opponents are also treated with respect,” Verstappen concluded.
Tensions among the stars’ separate fanbases are obviously yet to die down after a grasping fight between Verstappen and Hamilton last year. The fight was likewise challenged by Mercedes and Red Bull managers Toto Wolff and Christian Horner in the midst of a grouping of sensational Grands Prix to finish off the season.
Everything came down to the last lap of the last race in Abu Dhabi, where Verstappen executed a last-gasp overtake thanks to a little assistance from axed FIA race director Michael Masi. The couple shook hands subsequently, however debate raged on all through the mid-year following what was one of the most extreme fights in the sport’s set of history.
The two onboard views of that extraordinary final lap #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 #F1 pic.twitter.com/1FiDGddxjC
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 16, 2021
British fans spread the word about their sentiments at Silverstone recently, overwhelming Verstappen’s interview with an ensemble of boos. Hamilton sought similar treatment in Austria at the last end of the week as cheers were emitted when he collided with the barriers in qualifying.
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