MAX VERSTAPPEN has slammed F1 fans who allegedly burned Lewis Hamilton merchandise at the Hungary Grand Prix.
One Twitter user posted a video which claimed to show supporters of the Dutchman setting alight goods from his rival’s brand.
Hamilton and Verstappen played out a dramatic and heated rivalry last season in a Championship fight which saw multiple flashpoints.
With their respective Mercedes and Red Bull teams no longer competing as directly this season, the tension has cooled.
But much ill-feeling remains between the online fan bases, especially after the season concluded in controversial fashion in Abu Dhabi.
The video circulating from the weekend allegedly shows Verstappen fans burning Hamilton merchandise.
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But the world champion spoke out against those who are claimed to have been involved.
Verstappen, 24, told reporters after the race: “That’s of course not acceptable.
“I mean, these individuals… No, I definitely don’t agree with that because that’s just disgusting.
“But overall, I think the majority of the fans which also were cheering a lot, I think throughout the race and also on the podium for every driver, I think that’s how it should be.
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“And yeah, those videos, or video, of burning merch I think that’s disgusting.”
A group of people can be seen in the viral tweet, with one visibly wearing a Red Bull shirt and others wearing the orange shirt that is associated with Verstappen’s passionate Dutch following.
At the centre of the group is a man holding a burning object, which the Twitter user who posted the video claimed was “Hamilton merch”.
The alleged incident comes weeks after the Austrian Grand Prix where there were allegations of sexist, racist, and homophobic abuse from fans.
Verstappen won the Hungarian Grand Prix after starting 10th on the grid.
After a mechanical issue in qualifying, he had to make his way up the grid and won the race despite losing the lead after spinning.
With neither Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz ending up on the podium, more questions have been raised about Ferrari’s strategy.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
