Max Verstappen issues strongly-worded statement over driver 'hate' after GT3 incident

Max Verstappen has issued a strongly-worded statement after he was involved in an incident during a GT3 session.

With no Formula 1 this weekend, four-time world champion Verstappen decided to make his debut in GT World Challenge Europe, driving the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 car.

He teamed up with two British drivers - former 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner Ben Barnicoat and sim racing specialist Chris Lulham. But during his stint in the race in Portimao, Lulham made contact with another driver while attempting an overtake on the inside and received a drive-through penalty - which had an inevitable knock-on effect for when Verstappen got in the car.

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Max Verstappen condemns online abuse after GT World Challenge Europe debut

The #3 team eventually crossed the line in ninth position in Portimao, though there at least was a Mercedes on the top step of the podium as the trio of Maximilian Gotz, Ralf Aron and Fabian Schiller.

Following the race, apparent fans of Verstappen took to Lulham's Instagram page to send abusive messages, with many referencing his sim racing background.

That has prompted Verstappen, on the day after the race, to take to his own Instagram account to condemn those messages of abuse, describing Lulham as having had a 'really strong stint' aside from the error.

"Exciting weekend!" Verstappen wrote on Instagram. "Was very happy to be racing our GT3 car in Portimao. There were some ups and downs, but as a team we learnt a lot.

"I also feel I need to speak up about the hate and harassment Chris has received after the race. Everyone can have their opinions about what happened on track, but these personal attacks are not okay. Chris had a really strong stint and mistakes can happen.

"There's no place for this kind of abuse in our sport or anywhere else."

Max Verstappen 'likes' post about Chris Lulham

Verstappen was not the only one to acknowledge the reaction to Lulham's error, with popular Instagram account Endurance Media writing that personal attacks on any driver are 'never justifiable'. The post was liked by Verstappen himself.

"Mistakes and contacts are part of motorsport," the account wrote. "They happen at all levels, regardless of a driver's experience, achievements or reputation. Discussing an incident or questioning a driver's actions is perfectly reasonable, but personal attacks are never justifiable.

"It's also worth remembering what Chris Lulham has achieved. One of the biggest names in virtual motorsport competitions (esports), he managed to transition from virtual racing to real-world motorsport, winning the Radical Cup UK with an impressive record of 16 victories in 18 races.

"A single incident does not define a driver's ability, achievements, or character ... we are firmly against hate and personal attacks directed at any driver or person involved in motorsport, regardless of who they are or which team they represent."

Verstappen will back in his Red Bull next weekend when Formula 1 returns with the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

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