Max Verstappen Fires Back at F1 Critiques Amidst Prolonged Silence Over Awry Fan Incident

Two weeks back, the Austrian Grand Prix ended on a high note with Charles Leclerc pipping Max Verstappen to take home the honors. However, the wake of a weekend of incredible racing was tarnished by reports of abuse and harassment in the Red Bull Ring.

Some sections of fans suffered racial slurs and homophobic abuse in the stands. Formula 1 was quick to reply and put out a statement condemning any form of abuse faced by the fans. Teams and drivers also joined hands and spoke about the importance of stopping this.

Verstappen, being one of the biggest faces in Formula 1, also condemned the behavior of some fans. However, he opted not to post on social media regarding this issue. He also revealed he will be on social media all the time if he is to discuss the issues around the world, which he feels has been a part of his life for a while now.

Speaking about this, he said, “I don’t think it is only me who has to speak up. Everyone [should], and that is what I did in the press conference. That has a lot more traction than anything else.”

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“As I said before the weekend, if I really have to speak up about everything in the world, then I can be non-stop on social media. There is a place and time. I feel like already for a year, the only thing I’m talking about is political stuff. At the end of the day, I’m a Formula 1 driver.”

Max Verstappen believes Formula 1, as a whole, should take action

The ever-present orange army massively cheered for Verstappen in Austria. Although he was not victorious, his appearance on the podium would have encouraged the fans. While many enjoyed his race, some went overboard in the stands.

He has expressed his concern about the crowd abuse but believes that one driver alone cannot change this. The Dutchman says that the sport as a whole should take action for improving the situation in the future.

Verstappen added, “People, of course, might be my fans, but they are also fans of this sport who misbehave and the sport has to take action–it is not the driver himself that has to take action.”

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Meanwhile, on the track, Verstappen is holding the top spot. Leclerc, however, is closing in on him once again as only 38 points separate the two. The showdown now moves to France, where he secured an incredible victory last time around. Can Verstappen repeat his heroics in the Paul Ricard circuit? We will have to wait and watch.