Lewis Hamilton thinks it is unacceptable that Max Verstappen was booed by the fans at Silverstone on Saturday after qualifying for the Grand Prix of Great Britain. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff also speaks out against the booing.
“I think the fans can show themselves from a better side. The supporters are great and passionately sympathize, but there is no need to boo,” said 37-year-old Hamilton after qualifying at Silverstone, where Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz before Verstappen captured pole position.
When Verstappen gave a first reaction after qualifying, the booing was clearly audible from the stands. The 24-year-old Dutchman is not exactly loved in England due to the nerve-wracking and sometimes heated battle with Hamilton for last year’s world title. Verstappen became world champion in spectacular fashion in the last race.
“Maybe some fans still feel the pain from last year. But booing is of no use at all,” emphasized seven-time world champion Hamilton. “I really appreciate the support I get here. Everyone should be supported.”
Wolff: ‘No driver deserves a boos’
Verstappen later shrugged his shoulders at the press conference when asked about the booing at his address. “It will probably be because there have been a few moments last year,” he referred to the battle with Hamilton. “If they don’t like me, that’s their problem.”
Mercedes team boss Wolff took the incident less lightly. The Austrian finds it disrespectful when drivers are booed. “As far as I am concerned, there should be no booing in any sport. It should not be,” said fifty-year-old Wolff.
“Obviously we really appreciate the support from the fans for our drivers and the team. Their enthusiasm is great. But if you don’t like the other drivers, you have to keep quiet. No driver deserves a boo, what happened in the past also happened.”