“It’s not going to spoil my day,” was Max Verstappen’s deadpan response when asked about the booing he received on the podium after victory at last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. The Dutchman even wore a wry smile as he shrugged it off. As well he might, the rumble of discontent from Monza’s tifosi an insignificant background to the resounding success that has all but secured his second Formula One world championship.
After a nail-biting conclusion to last season, when his contest with Lewis Hamilton went to the wire of that controversial decider in Abu Dhabi, this year could not stand in greater contrast. Verstappen has imposed himself on the championship, winning 11 races from 16 meetings. He leads Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by 116 points and his Red Bull teammate Sergio Pérez by 125. There are six races left but he can wrap up the title at the next round in Singapore or, failing that, the one after in Japan.
