Max Verstappen se this “disgusted” to see videos of his supporters burning rival team Mercedes’ merchandising, which appeared throughout the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
The first, posted to Twitter on Friday, showed a fiery black cap amid a group of fans dressed in various Verstappen attire. It comes after the Austrian Grand Prix featured a better-documented case of a black Mercedes cap also set on fire.
Verstappen and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton had an extremely tough title battle in F1 last year, culminating in particularly controversial fashion.
Speaking after winning the Hungarian GP today, Verstappen was aware of the footage when asked about it.
“Yeah, that’s of course not acceptable,” says the Red Bull driver.
“These fans…no these individuals, I totally disagree with that, because it’s just disgusting.”
“Overall, I think the majority of the fans cheered a lot, I think, throughout the race, and also on the podium, for each driver. I think that’s how it should be. “
“And yes, this video of products on fire, I am disgusted.”
Hamilton and Verstappen haven’t had many chances to fight meaningfully on the track this season, with the Mercedes W13 still a long way off the Red Bull RB18. But with another double podium in Hungary, Verstappen isn’t convinced he should fear Ferrari more than Mercedes.
“It’s good that they are competitive because they can steal more points from Ferrari! So I’m very happy. Mercedes are doing very well now.”