Sky F1 commentator addresses Max Verstappen fans 'attack'

Sky F1 commentator David Croft has addressed a social media "attack" from Max Verstappen's fans, following a question he asked the Dutchman in Saudi Arabia. 

In the drivers' press conference ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Croft asked the four-time world champion about his Red Bull future. 

The question was in response to Red Bull's motorsport advisor Helmut Marko raising concerns that Verstappen could depart if the Austrian outfit does not improve. 

Verstappen quickly shut down Croft's initial question, leading to a follow-up question from the commentator where he asked if Marko was incorrect. 

The response Croft got was an unusual one, although it was viewed as a joke by the commentator due to the pair having a positive relationship.

However, some of Verstappen's supporters, unaware of the driver's relationship with the 54-year-old, chose to attack him on social media. 

Social media attacks have become a common occurrence for Croft, who is adamant it will not change what he does.

"Max brushed it off," Croft told The Times. "I kind of expected that he would do, so I just said, ‘So Helmut’s got the wrong end of the stick?’ and then he said, ‘just focus on commentating’ and I think he was joking, to be honest. 

"Max and I have a really good relationship, I’ve known him from the outset. We’ve never rowed about anything — he’s never come to me and gone, ‘I don’t like what you said’.

"[But] some of the Max fans pick up on that and then just blame me for the question. That’s my job — people just choose to attack me. Fine. You can attack me as much as you want. 

"I’ll be there at the next press conference, and it’s not going to put me off asking the question. In the public eye and on social media you’ve got to have the skin of a rhino."