F1 fans respond to Max Verstappen middle finger as grovelling apology issued

22 May 2024 , 10:42

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Max Verstappen spoke about his encounter at Imola (Image: Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Two Formula 1 fans who claim they were shown the middle finger by Max Verstappen said they were "proud" to have got the Red Bull racer's attention.

Verstappen told reporters at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, including Mirror Sport, about his interaction with a fan during qualifying at Imola. "I was driving in the pits and a lot of people were clapping, but one guy was doing... different things to me," he said.

"So I gave him the finger and then the next time I came around he was clapping. So he learned! It's easy to not be nice to drivers, but I can also not be nice to you. Luckily, he was a bit higher up. I guess he appreciated it."

The Dutchman did not take the matter too seriously as he laughed throughout the anecdote. And it seems there are also no hard feelings from the other side of the matter either.

Two fans claiming to have been involved have posted a video on social media in which they apologised to Verstappen. Dressed in Ferrari-branded attire, they admitted they were being "idiots" and seemed pleased with the driver's reaction.

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One said: "We just want to apologise for being idiots. I gave you the thumbs down." And the other added: "We want to say that we are really sorry. It's our fault, not your fault, for showing us the middle finger. We were so proud of the middle finger you showed us!"

The Ferrari fans also said Verstappen, who went on to win the Imola race, became "a legend in our eyes" because of the incident. That's despite the Dutchman's victory denying Ferrari a long-awaited victory on home soil once again.

Charles Leclerc had to settle for third place while team-mate Carlos Sainz could only manage fifth. McLaren, though, were the closest challengers to Red Bull and Lando Norris went on a late charge which meant he was less than a second behind Verstappen when he crossed the finish line.

The Dutchman was cheered on the podium as he celebrated his fifth Grand Prix victory of the season. And he also made it clear that he enjoys the atmosphere generated by Ferrari supporters whenever F1 goes racing in their native Italy.

Verstappen said: "The fans in general here are very passionate and love motorsport. Of course there is naturally more support for Ferrari here but that's absolutely fine. They have a massive fanbase."

Daniel Moxon