Verstappen message to booing fans after hostile podium welcome

Max Verstappen has welcomed the hostile reception from fans at the Circuit of the Americas after his victory in the United States Grand Prix.

The Dutchman secured his 50th F1 race win by holding off a late charge from Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in what was a thrilling strategic battle in Austin.

Verstappen, whose dominance over the rest of the field has meant the Drivers' title was wrapped up at the previous race in Qatar, was met with boos whilst completing his parc fermé interview with 2009 champion Jenson Button, when stepping out for the podium ceremony and when receiving his trophy.

'Fine by me'

Speculation on social media has suggested some of the booing was directed towards Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, though the persistence throughout the time in which Verstappen made his way from car to podium demonstrated vitriol was directed towards him.

Hamilton, in contrast, was cheered throughout the weekend and with the 2021 rivalry between the two creating a partisan atmosphere at various races since that season, both drivers have been targeted.

Another factor for Verstappen at COTA was the large presence of Mexican fans turning out to support teammate Sergio Perez, with their relationship having fractured on occasion in the past two seasons.

Asked by Viaplay NL whether the booing was annoying, Verstappen replied - whilst laughing: "No, no.

"In the end, I'm the one who takes the silverware home, so all fine by me!"

F1 moves onto the Mexican Grand Prix next weekend, with a similar situation likely to arise.

On if he expected a more hostile reception at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Verstappen insisted:"Then it's still me who's bringing the silverware home."