Max Verstappen has criticized spectators for throwing flares at the circuit during qualifying for the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix.
Early in Q2 qualifying at the Zandvoort circuit, a flare was thrown onto the track between Turns 12 and 13, and the session was red flagged for six minutes while it was removed. The FIA (International Automobile Federation) said those involved were quickly identified by event organizers and ejected.
Another flare was thrown onto the circuit at Turn 1 late in Q3, but it rolled to safety towards the pitlane exit and the session continued.
Fans have already been warned against bringing flares to the circuit.
“It’s so stupid to do that,” said home country hero Max Verstappen.
“It’s okay to bring it. There’s a limit to how much you can bring. But it’s stupid to throw it on the course. I think the person who did it got kicked off.”
“Anyway, please don’t do that. It’s not good for anyone. If you get thrown in, you can’t see the race, and it will stop the session for us. Anything on the track is dangerous, so don’t do it.”
Comments from pole-sitter Max Verstappen were echoed by rivals Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr.
“I hope you don’t do something like this because it’s dangerous,” said Charles Leclerc.
“A passing car at that time could create an unnecessary risk.”
“I think it’s important to let fans know when they can use flares and when they can’t,” Sainz Jr. said.
“I think it’s fine that they used it on the in-lap when Max took pole, but I don’t want it in the middle of the race, or in the middle of the race or the first lap when we’re in the middle of a battle. At 300km/h, I don’t want to be distracted by smoke like this.”
“Hopefully management does a good job of warning when it’s good to use them and when it’s not. It’s important not to throw them on the track.”
Category: F1 / Max Verstappen / red bull / F1 Dutch GP