Verstappen says Lulham’s Portimão mistake did not warrant online abuse

Max Verstappen said he felt compelled to speak out after online abuse was directed at Chris Lulham following an incident at the GT World Challenge in Portimão. Speaking in Austin, Verstappen said he had spoken with his GT teammate and was trying to stop him from reading too many of the messages.

Verstappen also pointed to social-media platforms, saying users could create troll accounts without attaching a real name or address. He said abuse aimed at him personally did not bother him, but Lulham was young and not used to that level of pressure and attention.

Lulham received a drive-through penalty after making contact with a Mercedes in Portimão. Verstappen described the incident as one small misjudgment and said Lulham had done a fantastic job throughout the weekend. All drivers learn and make mistakes, he said.

Verstappen said there was no reason to direct hate at Lulham. He described his teammate as relaxed but said the abuse remained unpleasant and undeserved.