Max Verstappen has explicitly stated that he does not condone the booing of Lewis Hamilton, which occurred after the Formula 1 Mercedes driver crashed during qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix.
The Dutchman was on the receiving end of those boos last week in Silverstone and he has now criticised both sets of supporters.
“Basically, I think it’s a shame that the fans react like football fans, who always boo the opponent,” Verstappen told Sport1.
“In the Netherlands they whistle Lewis, in England they do it to me. I think it’s a shame because we often have extremely tough, sporting fights. They’re of a high quality.
“You also have to respect your opponent. I’m a PSV Eindhoven fan, but when I watch a big game, I enjoy it whether my team wins or loses.
“It would be nice if the fans behaved that way in our sport.”
Better relations with Leclerc
In direct contrast with his rivalry with Hamilton, Verstappen thinks his current battle with Charles Leclerc is much friendlier.
“How much you respect the other person influences,” Verstappen continued.
“As I have said many times, I have known Charles for a long time, so you automatically respect yourself more, because, logically, we know each other much better.”
