Max Verstappen Responds To Fans Boos After Miami Grand Prix Win
Max Verstappen responded to fans who booed him after the Miami Grand Prix, by insisting it is “absolutely fine” while he is still winning.
The reigning world champion produced a peerless drive in Miami to recover from ninth on the grid, charging into second inside 15 laps followed by managing his hard tyres for 46 laps and overtaking Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez with nine laps remaining.
The result extends his world championship lead over Perez to 14 points, but jeers were audible from some fans at the first American race of the year when he stepped onto the podium to receive his trophy.
Some boos were reported during the pre-race festivities as well, but the Dutchman argued it is “normal” for fans to dislike winning drivers as he delivered a defiant post-race message to his critics.
“If I were driving in the back nobody would be doing anything in terms of reaction,” Verstappen said.
“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”.
‘I always feel unbeatable’
Verstappen was voted Driver of the Day by television viewers after a performance which included an impressive overtake on both Charles Leclerc and Kevin Magnussen in the same move before he passed George Russell, Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso and, ultimately, Perez later in the race.
Miami had been billed as a circuit where overtaking would be difficult, but Verstappen says he now feels “unbeatable” driving for a Red Bull team which has won all five races so far this season.
“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,” he told Sky Sports F1.
“I think what is important is to try and be close to 100 per cent 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.”
