Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen was subjected to boos at the Spanish Grand Prix after another win helped him solidify his chances of retaining his title.
Verstappen was beaten to pole by Lando Norris, while both were passed by George Russell in the opening lap in Barcelona. By the time the final lap rolled around, though, the Dutchman was able to hold off the challenge of Norris and claim first place.
That didn’t appear to go down too well with some spectators, though. Verstappen’s dominance is great news for his fans and fans of his Red Bull team, but others seemed less enthused by the prospect of a fourth straight drivers’ title for the 26-year-old.
Verstappen’s win on Sunday saw him extend his lead to 69 points after 10 races, with Norris leapfrogging Charles Leclerc to go second in the overall standings. And, speaking after the race, the McLaren driver reflected on the treatment his rival received.
“People are always going to boo, I think, no matter what,” Norris said. “You have it in every sport, you support people and you don’t support other people. I think it’s happened in sport for years and years and years. And Max is winning every race, so people are not going to like that and it definitely makes the sport less exciting, but that’s just because he’s doing a good job.
“There’s a fine line. I think everyone within the sport appreciates it and respects it – you have to and I think everyone does, but people who don’t know the most about motorsport are probably not going to be able to appreciate as much because they don’t know what really goes into it and what it takes to be in that position and do what he’s doing.
“You’re always going to have boos is my thing and I think there’s a level of disrespect and respect. Any version of disrespect, I don’t think that’s OK. I’m trying to not dig a hole for myself here. I just think…whatever. I would say no, I think people appreciate what Max has done. I think people maybe should appreciate more, but every driver is going to get boos at some point.”
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Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris reflected on Max Verstappen’s treatment (
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Hamilton finished third, recovering from a slow start to secure his first podium of 2024. He also praised the job Verstappen has done, with the reigning champion having claimed seven wins from 10 races this year.
“I’m not tapped into that to know exactly, but on the race weekends he always has a huge crowd always, so he’s always got amazing support,” Hamilton said.
“And at the end of the day, he does a fantastic job. Every weekend he delivers. He’s got a great team and obviously a great car, but you can’t fault him.”
