Verstappen notices change in Brazilian fans since fierce Hamilton battle

15:41, 12 Nov

byNicole Mulder

After yet another impressive comeback at Interlagos, Max Verstappen noted how the attitude of Brazilian fans toward him has shifted since the 2021 Formula 1 season.

"The energy from all the fans probably helps too. That’s been much better over the last two, three years. In 2021 it was the other way around, but now it’s fine.”

- Max Verstappen

Verstappen once again delivered a stunning performance during the Brazil Grand Prix, reminiscent of his victory last year.

Starting from the pit lane, the four-time world champion crossed the finish line in third place.

Afterwards, Verstappen discussed his special connection with Brazil and how the atmosphere has changed since his fierce battle with Lewis Hamilton back in 2021.

Verstappen points to the changed atmosphere in Brazil

Asked by Viaplay what makes this circuit so special for him, Verstappen said: “It’s obviously not a very long circuit, it really only has eight corners. But you have to drive very precisely and neatly; it’s tough on the tyres. It always feels good.

"The energy from all the fans probably helps too. That’s been much better over the last two, three years. In 2021 it was the other way around, but now it’s fine.”

With that, Verstappen was referring to the negative reception he received from the local fans that season. The F1 race was won by Hamilton, who is also very popular in Brazil and is even an honorary citizen of the country.

Verstappen, who finished second, was booed by the crowd at a time when the title fight was extremely intense.

That fate awaited Lando Norris this weekend. On the other hand, the crowd sang the Verstappen's well-known song.

Max Verstappen on the podium in Brazil - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Tough weekend turned around by Verstappen and Red Bull

Last weekend didn’t go completely smoothly for the Dutchman. After qualifying in P16, Red Bull changed the four-time world champion's power unit and setup. What if he had the same car on Saturday that he had on Sunday?

He added: “I think we still have an issue over one lap at this circuit at the moment. But yeah, then I might have been in Q3, and of course that makes it very different."

“Look, if you end up ten or eleven seconds off the lead, with everything I went through starting from the pit lane, then you’ve simply had a very good race. But on the other hand, I also really think the temperature helped," Verstappen concluded.

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