Max Verstappen has asked fans to be more responsible at racetracks after a fan threw a flare onto the Zandvoort Circuit during qualifying for the 2022 Dutch Grand Prix.
The second qualifying session had just started in the Netherlands when the red flag was brought out, and it was soon discovered that a flare had been thrown onto the circuit.
It caused an altercation between spectators as some grew understandably irritated at the actions of the fan, but the flare was quicky cleared, and the session got back underway again.
Later, in the final session, another flare was launched over the fence, but this time it rolled into the pit exit, and running was not disrupted.
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Verstappen narrowly beat Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to pole in a thrilling end to qualifying by the beautiful beaches in Zandvoort.
Thankfully, no more flares made an appearance within the confines of the track on Sunday, and it should be said that the rest of the Dutch supporters, as promised by sporting director and former Formula 1 driver Jam Lammers, were exemplary in their behaviour.
Verstappen went on to take victory for the second year running in front of his home crowd.
After he had taken pole on Saturday, Verstappen took a moment to call out the silly actions of the irresponsible fans.
“Yeah, it’s very silly to do,” he said in the press conference.
“I mean, to hold flares already, it’s nice, but of course there is a limit to how much, but to throw it on the track is just stupid.
“I think also the person that did that got removed so yeah, just don’t do that.
“It’s not good for anyone, you get thrown out so you can’t see the race, and for us, the session is stopped because it’s dangerous, there’s stuff on the track.
“So, you shouldn’t do it.”
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Verstappen’s win was his 10th of the season, and Red Bull’s 11th, equalling their respective tallies from last year with seven rounds to go.
Leclerc dropped more points as he finished third behind George Russell after he had been affected by a Virtual Safety Car.
The Dutchman now leads the Ferrari driver by 109 points in the Drivers’ Standings, as Verstappen continues to assert dominance in 2022.