F1 analyst Peter Windsor launched a scathing attack aimed at Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s celebration after winning the Miami Grand Prix, claiming it was ‘way over the top’ and likened it to the way a ‘football star’ behaves.
Verstappen’s emotions were understandable after the Dutchman endured a difficult weekend in Miami, where he started the race P9.
However, he showed the power of his Red Bull engine as well as his exceptional driving skill to drive through the traffic and eventually finish ahead of teammate Sergio Perez to claim what looked like an unlikely win.
The result sees the two-time world champion now sit 14 points ahead of his Mexican teammate in the drivers’ standings.
On crossing the chequered flag, Verstappen was quick to remind fans who the reigning champion is, simply by pointing to the No. 1 on his car.
Windsor has been an F1 journalist for a long time now and was left far from impressed with Verstappen’s mannerisms.
“What was he doing pointing at No.1 on his car? He is No.1 in the world. Isn’t that what his fans expect him to be doing? I personally don’t like any of that. You want my opinion; I don’t like it one bit,” he said.
“I like drivers to be very reverential and all athletes copy all the football stars. To me it’s like, ‘I’m very lucky to be in a good car, good team. Hope I did a good job today, and I would like to a pay lot of compliments to my fellow competitors and be very humble about this.’ Jim Clark-esque.”
Fans boo Verstappen antics
Even fans didn’t seem to enjoy his gesture as he emerged on the podium to a chorus of boos.
It did little to deter Verstappen’s spirit as he spoke about his week’s efforts that culminated in a memorable Grand Prix win.
“It was a good race. I stayed out of trouble in the beginning. I had a good battle with Checo and we kept it clean and that was the most important thing. A great win today,” Verstappen said.
“Yesterday was a setback in qualifying but today we kept it calm and clean and winning a race from ninth is always very satisfying.
“I always feel unbeatable. Sometimes other people also have a really good day. You try to be close to 100% or perfect all of the time. It’s a long season, I try be always as close as possible to perfect.”
Do you think Verstappen went overboard with his celebration? Let us know in the comments.