F1 Champion Max Verstappen Has a Message for Boo Birds and Haters

Another Formula 1 race, another dominating performance by Red Bull and race-winner Max Verstappen, in particular.

Verstappen started Sunday's Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix in ninth position on the grid, but it didn't seem to matter. Within two laps, the two-time defending series champion had worked his way to second place.

Verstappen's march to the front on hard tires was impressive. He was able to stay out on track 25 laps longer than pole sitter and teammate Sergio Perez, who started on the mediums before making his one and only pit stop. Verstappen came out of his pit stop in second place behind Perez, but on fresher tires, and Perez was no match down the stretch.

The win was Verstappen's third in five races this season, his fifth podium of the season and his 38th career triumph. It was also his second win in as many tries on the temporary road circuit in Miami. He left Miami with a 14-point lead over Perez in the championship standings.

The day, however, started with a fair share of boo birds riding Verstappen during driver introductions.

It all comes with the territory when you're king of the mountain, said Verstappen after the win.

"I think if I will be driving in the back nobody will be even doing anything in terms of reaction. Right? I think it's normal when you're winning and they don't like who is winning," Verstappen said. "So this is something for me which is absolutely fine as long as I stand on the top, that's for me the most important.

"I take the trophy home and they go back to their houses and they can have a nice evening."