The Max Verstappen fanbase, endearingly called the ‘Orange Army’, has gained quite a notoriety over the years. Last year at the Dutch GP, we come across incidents of racist, homophobic and sexual abuse against the fans of other drivers. Following the infamous incident of a female Lewis Hamilton fan facing abuse, many fans came forward with their horrific stories on social media. The Orange Army currently enjoys exclusive grandstands at 4 venues. That is going to change in 2023, as that number will increase to 6.

The rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen reached its crescendo at the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi. As the race weekend at the 2022 Dutch GP began, reports of Hamilton fans facing all sorts of abuse at the hands of Verstappen fans came to the fore. The Mercedes driver raised his voice against the unruly behavior at the Austrian Grand Prix, through social media.

However, F1 is ready to reward the Dutchman’s fans. Until now, the Orange Army had exclusive grandstands at Zandvoort, Spa, the Red Bull Ring, and the Hungaroring. In 2023, the Spanish GP will join the list, as will the newest fixture, the Las Vegas GP. As per GP Fans, “Benefits of joining the fan grandstands as a Verstappen follower are a travel bag with goodies as well as a chance to win ‘unique’ prizes, including paddock tours for two people, entry to the Red Bull pit box, and signed memorabilia.”

How Do F1 Drivers Lose Weight During a Race?

During the 2022 race weekend, there were incidents of flare-throwing on the track as well. However, Verstappen refused to take responsibility for his fans.

Max Verstappen shifted the responsibility on F1 to mind the unruly fans

Following the incidents, the F1 released a statement condemning the abusive behavior. They even vowed to work more closely with the organizers in the future. However, when it came to Max, he did not have a lot to say.

Speaking with the Associated Press, he said, “I think that also needs to be up to the F1 organization, because they are the ones hosting and working together with the promoter to allow people in.”

Trending

Lando Norris Flashes $430,000 Bling as Rumored Supermodel GF Magui Corceiro Joins Him at Monaco Historic

May 11, 2024 05:26 PM EDT

Lewis Hamilton Leaves Out Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid in His “Best Passenger” Choice

May 11, 2024 09:08 PM EDT

Adrian Newey Returns to Championship Winning Car as Genius Designer Rivals Zak Brown at the Monaco Historique

May 10, 2024 05:51 PM EDT

Lando Norris Makes Surprising Relationship Confession, as Rumored GF Magui Corciero Watches His Race Win With Her Family

May 06, 2024 03:31 PM EDT

Carlos Sainz Ruins Lewis Hamilton’s Hope of a Charles Leclerc Collaboration With Latest Revelation

May 11, 2024 11:46 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“I’m not in control of what fans are doing. It’s the same with any sport, you’re not in control of what the fans are going to do,” he added. “But if you have a lot of security around, [they] might influence what people are doing in the grandstands. This is not only up to the drivers. “

Watch This Story: Max Verstappen Has Spent 25% of His Fortune on This Beauty – Have a Look!

While giving fans separate grandstands will make the race more enjoyable for them, F1 needs to make sure other spectators’ experience isn’t ruined because of some miscreants.