F1 star attacked and branded ‘jealous’ for comments on Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were at the centre of the debate for one F1 star, who is now facing heaps of criticism.

Aston Martin test and reserve driver Felipe Drugovich has faced backlash after picking Max Verstappen over Lewis Hamilton on a recent podcast appearance. The Brazilian was unimpressed by the latter’s patriotism towards his home country.

Drugovich was making an appearance on a podcast during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend with the reigning Formula 2 champion agreeing to a new contract with Aston Martin for the 2024 season.

When asked to pick between Hamilton and Verstappen, Drugovich opted for the latter, explaining: “Verstappen may seem like an annoying guy, but he’s an honest guy and not fake at all. It is what it is and that’s it.

Drugovich  went on to explain: “This is exactly what doesn’t convince me. I have nothing against him. Only now do I have  more contact with Verstappen. He’s a super nice guy, he’s really nice, very caring and approachable.

“He treats me so well and I admire that, he doesn’t even care  what people think.
What you represent is there on the track and you just want to drive and that’s it, it’s more or less a version of, say, a little bit of [Nelson] Piquet.

” Player comments in 23 years has caused some criticism from fans, including one using the  social media platform. It has barely been launched on F1 racing cars for testing. Finally, let’s say that you love Max for his charisma on and off the track and that’s it.

“Another user claimed that the comments  changed his opinion of the Aston Martin driver, stating: “I liked Drugovich until I heard statements like that, the guy is jealous because Hamilton is  best Brazilian driver in F1.

That’s not the end of the criticism with another user’s message of support from the Brazilian people, congratulations.
” Hamilton’s comments have not endeared Drugovich to the wider F1 community, with some fans – notably those of Lance Stroll – less than impressed with the Brazilian after liking the posts social media vilified the Canadian driver.

However, Drugovich is still aiming for a place on the F1 grid in 2025.
The 23-year-old was said to be in talks for a second Williams seat in the event of Logan Sargeant leaving, but that avenue appears to have closed, meaning  another year on the sidelines in 2024 .