Red Bull's Max Verstappen dismisses boos and jeers at Miami GP - 'absolutely fine' for fans to express feelings
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Updated 08/05/2023 at 09:16 GMT
Max Verstappen is seen as a divisive figure amongst some Formula 1 fans due to his aggressive and unapologetic approach to racing, on and off the track. That might have been the reason for boos and jeers aimed at the Dutchman at the Miami Grand Prix this weekend, with the world champion claiming afterwards that the reaction was "absolutely fine". Verstappen has a championship lead of 14 points.
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Max Verstappen claimed it was “absolutely fine” that some spectators at the Miami Grand Prix booed his victory.
The two-time and current world champion started way back in ninth on the grid on Sunday afternoon in the United States, but was quickly up into second spot, needing fewer than 15 full laps to sit in behind his team-mate Sergio Perez.
With 46 laps gone, he then made his move on the Mexican and swung into the lead.
Verstappen now has a championship lead of 14 points over Perez, but when he took to the podium to be awarded the race win, he received a hostile reception from some attendees, and there were boos reported before the green light, too.
"If I were driving in the back nobody would be doing anything in terms of reaction," Verstappen observed, speaking to Sky Sports..
"I think it is normal when you are winning and they don't like who is winning.
"It is something for me which is absolutely fine as long as I am standing on the top.
"To me, the most important thing is I take the trophy home and they go back to their houses and they can... have a nice evening".
He added: "I always feel unbeatable but sometimes other people also have a really good day and they can be close to you, match you, or be ahead.
"I think what is important is to try and be close to 100% perfect every time.
"Yesterday wasn't perfect, so this weekend wasn't perfect, but it is a long season and I always try to be as close as possible to perfect."
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