The response to Max Verstappen’s Formula One victory in Austin was jarring for the sport

Fresh off his 15th race win of the season and 50th of an already legendary career, Max Verstappen raised his fist in triumph. But no one was expecting what happened next.

Is Max Verstappen dominance turning fans away from F1? Picture: AFP Images

Is Max Verstappen’s Formula One dominance putting fans offside?

The world champion-elect was greeted by a chorus of boos when he accepted the trophy for winning the US Grand Prix on Monday morning.

After his 15th race win of the season and 50th of an already legendary career, Verstappen, who had his third world championship title wrapped up with four races still to run, raised his fist in triumph on the top step of the podium in Austin.

However, the response to his salute was jarring.

Fans began booing the new face of F1, which drew the ire of Sky Sports commentators David Croft and Martin Brundle.

Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez is perhaps the most popular driver in North America because he has Mexican roots and commands the bulk of support at the US Grand Prix.

“I know Checo (Sergio Perez) is a popular man around here,” Croft said.

“There are a lot of Perez fans – they were chanting his name during the anthems – but I don’t think it’s just because Checo Perez is popular.

Max Verstappen was booed after his most recent F1 victory. Picture: Getty Images

“There are a lot of boos for Max Verstappen and it’s a shame, it really is, that you hear that amount of boos for a man who is at the peak of his excellence on the track but not popular off it.

Brundle added: “Yeah, it’s a shame, isn’t it?

“He’s taken his 50th grand prix victory and that’s the reaction of the fans.”

If Verstappen’s dominance has lowered his popularity with F1 fans it would be a big departure from F1’s established order.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton enjoyed a lot of love while at the peak of his powers and he stood on the second step of the podium in Austin as Verstappen stared down his loud detractors.

It’s likely the Dutchman’s dominance over his teammate had a hand in the heavy chorus of boos because the assembled crowd chanted Perez’s name during the presentation ceremony.

Perez’s future has been the topic of much speculation in recent weeks.

It has been reported he could lose his race seat for next year if he fails to finish second in the drivers’ championship.

He received a stroke of luck in Austin with the post-race disqualification of Hamilton, which has left Perez 39 points clear and in a commanding position to clinch second place with just three races remaining.

However, the magnifying glass will remain on the second Red Bull driver ahead of his home Mexican Grand Prix, which is next on the calendar.

His shortcomings have been magnified by the consistency of Verstappen, who continues to win in what is already one of the all-time great seasons in F1 history.

Originally published as The response to Max Verstappen’s Formula One victory in Austin was jarring for the sport