Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing attends the press conference after qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari Circuit on May 18, 2024 in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Formula 1 Hot News

Formula 1 News: Two Ferrari fans issue Verstappen an apology

Posted by AR1 staff

Max Verstappen gave two Ferrari fans the middle finger at Imola, and the duo later issued a social media apology video after he schooled the two Ferrari drivers in qualifying.

Verstappen bounced back from a rough start to the race weekend at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix to win the pole when Ferrari were expected to win it.

Upon returning to the pit lane, two fans decked out in Ferrari gear, could be seen giving Verstappen the thumbs down, which the Championship leader duly noticed and replied with the middle finger.

Two fans, Walrico and Gino, have since released a social media video claiming they were the fans in question, apologizing to Verstappen and saying he “became a legend in our hearts” for his response.

“Hi Max, we just wanted to apologize for being idiots,” the pair began in their joint video published on social media.

“Sorry Max, I gave you the thumbs down, and we just want to say we’re really sorry, it’s our fault, it’s not your fault, for giving us the middle finger and we were so proud of the middle finger that you showed us [laughs]. Yes, we jumped up like little girls.

“We want to say thank you Max. After that you became a legend in our hearts and we love you for that.”

Verstappen provided his side of the story during the post-qualifying press conference, explaining that the thumbs down had turned to applause the next time he came around, so that middle finger did its job.

“I had a funny story in qualifying where we were driving in the pits,” Verstappen began.

“A lot of people were clapping. Then one guy, he was doing some different things to me, so I gave him the finger. Then the next time I came around, he was clapping. So, you know, they learn.

“You know, it’s easy to be not nice to drivers, but I can also be not nice to you, you know! So, luckily he was a bit higher up. But it’s good. After that, I guess he appreciated it.”

Max Verstappen ties Ayryton Senna for the most consecutive poles in F1 history – 8