Max Verstappen says he is “fine” with some fans booing him as the jeers continue at the British Grand Prix.
The reigning world champion was clearly the man to beat at Silverstone on Saturday but missed out on pole by less than a tenth in a wet qualifying session.
Instead, it was Carlos Sainz who ended his long wait for a first P1 in qualifying, but Verstappen wasn’t too concerned with second on the grid.
“It was quite a tricky qualifying with the weather. It was raining, drying so I had to be on the track at the right time,” he explained.
Also Read:
- Verstappen: No ‘hard feelings’ over 2021 on Silverstone return
- Sainz explains ‘surprise’ at first F1 pole for British GP
“Overall, the car was working pretty well. In Q3, it’s a bit of a lottery sometimes when you have to put the fastest lap in.
“I got a bit hindered with the yellow flag but still to be on the front row is very good for us because we have a good race car in the dry and wet.”
Of course last year Verstappen wouldn’t complete the opening lap after being tagged by Lewis Hamilton entering Copse corner.
But Max brushed off any concerns looking ahead to Sunday.
“It’s not only about the first lap, it’s about the race. It’s also about tyre management but looking forward to the race tomorrow,” he added.
It was quite a tricky Qualifying with the rain, but to be on the front row here is good for us. Tomorrow is when it really counts and we have a good race car. So we’ll be there @redbullracing ?
Congrats @Carlossainz55 on your first pole ? pic.twitter.com/LjPuSsfUNR
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) July 2, 2022
For the second time this weekend, Verstappen was booed as he spoke to Billy Monger after qualifying.
When asked about the hostile reaction from some fans, the Dutchman was typically unmoved.
“I was a bit disappointed because I couldn’t really understand Billy which was a bit of a problem,” he said. “But the rest, I mean, if they want to boo they do that.
“For me, it’s not going to change anything. I am happy to always be here. It’s a great track, it’s a great atmosphere in general.
“Maybe some of them, they don’t like me and that’s fine. They will have their own opinions and I don’t care.”
However, Lewis Hamilton was quick to call out those fans for their behaviour.
“I think we are better than that,” said the seven-time world champion.
“I would say we don’t need to do booing, but we have got such great fans and our sporting fans, they feel emotions, ups and downs, but I definitely don’t agree with booing.
“I don’t think we need to do that. It doesn’t make any difference when you boo someone either, they have already made the mistakes or whatever it is.
“But I really do appreciate the support I have had here. I don’t know, maybe some of them are still feeling the pain from last year still. Either way, I don’t agree.”
