Max Verstappen Speaks Out Against Cyberbullying After Portimão GT3 Teammate Targeted Following Penalty
Four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen issues a fiery statement condemning online abuse directed at GT3 teammate Chris Lulham before delivering a sensational drive from 24th to 9th in Portimão.
Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has issued a powerful statement forcefully condemning cyberbullying after his Verstappen Racing teammate, Chris Lulham, became the target of severe online abuse during the GT World Challenge Europe event at Algarve International Circuit.
The online backlash erupted after Lulham, sharing the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 alongside Verstappen and Ben Barnicoat, incurred a costly racing penalty during his stint that effectively dashed the team's victory hopes.
As toxic comments flooded social media platforms, Verstappen took to his personal channels to shield his teammate and call out the hostile behavior within the fanbase.
"Mistakes happen in racing, but personal abuse and hate directed at any driver is completely unacceptable and shameful," Verstappen stated in his official response. "Every driver out there gives their all. If you cannot respect that, you are not a real fan of motorsport."
Despite the setback, Verstappen delivered an extraordinary recovery stint when he climbed into the car for the final hours. Restarting down in 24th position following the penalty sequence, the Dutch driver sliced through dense traffic with clinical precision, executing a masterclass of overtakes to rescue a remarkable 9th-place finish.
Onboard footage of Verstappen’s ferocious charge through the Portimão field quickly went viral across the paddock, blending a high-stakes anti-bullying stance with a thrilling display of racecraft.