Max Verstappen walked off the podium at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix without any celebration nor recognition of the victorious Lewis Hamilton, leading to the title challenger being branded “pathetic” and “very childish”.
The distasteful move followed the most dramatic grand prix of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship yet.
In a grand prix that was red-flagged twice and took two hours and eight minutes to complete, Hamilton triumphed after passing Verstappen on lap 43 of the 50-lap race, drawing level with his title rival on 369.5 points ahead of the final edition of the championship.
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The friction that had lingered between Hamilton and Verstappen throughout the season hit its hottest point when the two drivers collided at turn one of lap 37. As Hamilton attempted to overtake Verstappen at the first turn, the Dutchman altered his line, clipped Hamilton and ran off the track, retaining the lead in doing so.
And although Verstappen was instructed to cede first position to Hamilton because of the move, the 24-year-old was accused of ‘brake-testing’ the Briton at turn 27 of the 37th lap. Verstappen hit the brakes as Hamilton loomed up behind him, causing the seven-time world champion to ram into the back of his Red Bull, which damaged his front wing.
Hamilton then finally completed a successful overtake of Verstappen when the rising star let him past at turn 27 of the 43rd lap, before the veteran recorded the fastest lap of the race to gain a bonus point.
Clearly irked following the controversial grand prix, Verstappen trudged from the podium after the playing of England’s national anthem, God Save the Queen, grabbing his champagne bottle and leaving without making any eye contact with Hamilton.
Journalist Antonello Guerrera wrote on Twitter: “After all the dirty tricks on track, Verstappen even abandons the podium. Just pathetic.”
Sports-marketing professional Arvindi Hickman posted: “Verstappen showing his class by storming off from the podium celebrations. Very childish.”
BBC sports commentator Sulaiman Folarin wrote: “Max Verstappen just confirmed he is a BAD sportsman. He walked off the stage without celebrating as customary. Where are his apologists?”
Sports doctor Rajpal Brar posted: “Max Verstappen – c’mon man. Understandable to be disappointed, but after some of today’s tactics and then to walk off the podium and not celebrate in the customary celebration … That’s just poor sportsmanship.”
Formula 1 commentary icon Martin Brundle had a more measured read on Verstappen’s podium snubbing.
“He walked off the back. He does not want any part of that,” Brundle told Sky Sports.
“He clearly feels very aggrieved that he had to give the lead back.”
Co-commentator David Croft added: “Verstappen doesn’t want to celebrate on that podium tonight. If the gloves weren’t off before, they certainly are now.”
The championship title will be decided at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next Monday morning (AEDT).
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