Verstappen unperturbed by Monza boos
Monday, 12 September 2022
The Dutchman had never won at Monza.
Formula 1® world champion Max Verstappen shrugged off the jeers and boos he received after triumphing at the Italian Grand Prix.
Verstappen won behind a safety car on Sunday, capitalising on Ferrari's questionable tactics, which left Charles Leclerc having to settle for second place in the team's home race.
The victory moves Verstappen – who had never won at Monza – 116 points clear of Leclerc in the driver standings, with Red Bull also safely at the summit of the constructor table.
Yet after celebrating an 11th win of the season, Verstappen had to contend with jeers from the stands during his post-race interview.
"It happens, everyone speaks to me about it with the booing and stuff but at the end of the day I am here to try and win the race which we've done," Verstappen subsequently told reporters.
"Some people of course they cannot appreciate that because they are very passionate fans for a different team. It is what it is.
"It is not going to spoil my day, I am just enjoying the moment."
Leclerc, however, was disappointed, telling reporters: "Nobody likes booing and I think it shouldn't happen. That's it."
Verstappen, who had to overcome a grid penalty to seal his maiden Monza success, has won the last five races and the Dutchman could wrap up his second world title when F1 returns in Singapore in October.
Grazie Monza 😘 #ItalianGP 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/UGmfPl4RbE
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) September 11, 2022
