Formula 1 is a billion-dollar sport. Naturally, sponsors are kings. Max Verstappen understood the assignment at the Italian Grand Prix cool-down room. All Formula 1 drivers were supposed to wear a black armband as a show of respect to the late Queen Elizabeth II. However, Max Verstappen was having none of that.

Queen Elizabeth II passed away in Scotland on the 8th of September, 2022. In the aftermath of the Italian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was confused as to where he should put his black armband on. The reason was somewhat comical.

In the cool-down room footage released Verstappen can be seen perplexed as to where he should put his armband on. He could be heard saying, “It’s a bit tough,” before quipping, “too many sponsors.“.

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The Queen was present at the very first Grand Prix in 1950 at Silverstone. Having said that, sponsor problems did not plague the other drivers. And thus, the entire Formula 1 community gave their tributes to Her Royal Majesty, the Queen.

Tributes pour in for the Queen from the Formula 1 community

The Queen was reportedly an ardent follower of Formula 1. Further, as such, given the rich British heritage of the sport, it should not come as a surprise that Formula 1 paid its respects to the Queen. Drivers and personalities within the paddock alike wrote heartfelt tributes to Queen Elizabeth II.

Lewis Hamilton dubbed the Queen “an iconic leader” and “an inspiration”. He also exclaimed how “She was a symbol of hope for so many.”. Red Bull boss Christian Horner proclaimed that the Queen had served her people “with unreserved dignity and dedication.” Further, teams also came out to show their respect.

Alpine put out a statement saying, “BWT Alpine F1 Team deeply mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II…We thank her for life-long devotion and pride in serving the country.”.

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Do you think Max Verstappen’s cool-down antics were disrespectful towards the late Queen?