Max Verstappen insists "not up to me" to prevent Dutch fans from booing Lewis Hamilton

Verstappen, Red Bull, Zandvoort — Photo: © LAT Images

Dutch Grand Prix

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Verstappen insists "not up to me" to prevent Dutch fans from booing Hamilton

Hamilton can expect a raucous atmosphere in The Netherlands

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Thursday 2 September 2021 13:15

Max Verstappen has insisted it is not up to him to prevent the Dutch fans from booing F1 title rival Lewis Hamilton at Zandvoort this weekend.

The Red Bull driver will start his first home grand prix with masses of his 'Orange Army' in attendance hoping to see their hero take the championship lead with a win.

Tempers flared between the two drivers after their collision at the British Grand Prix in July, with Verstappen's fans then booing Hamilton at the Hungarian and Belgian Grands Prix..

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With a partisan atmosphere expected, Verstappen was asked if he felt the need to ask his supporters to refrain from booing the Mercedes driver.

"Well, I look at it like this: you know when you go to a football match, you come into a home ground, the opposition will be booed at some point," replied Verstappen.

"It is not up to the local club to go onto the speakers and say 'Guys, you cannot boo', because it will naturally happen.

"They are very passionate and they will support their local team.

"I don't think it is up to me to then say 'Guys, you cannot boo' because I am not them and I have to just focus on what I am doing on the track and I am sure most of them are here for just a great weekend to see cars racing.

"Of course, some of them will boo but I cannot decide for them. I can say 'You cannot do this' but do you really think they are going to listen to me? I just hope they will have a good weekend."

Verstappen - "It would be bad if it gives me boost"

Hamilton's home following often provides him with an added push when racing at Silverstone and when asked if any booing of the Briton would provide an extra boost for himself, Verstappen said: "That would be bad if it gives me an added boost.

"So as long as it doesn't affect Lewis, I guess that is what you want to hear right? So that is the most important.

"What I hope from the whole weekend is that everyone is having a good time and they enjoy seeing the cars on track and seeing us battling out there for the best possible result."