Max Verstappen should not fear additional 'booing' this weekend at Lando Norris' home race, the British GP at Silverstone.
Just a few days ago, the two - whose friendship is now at risk of souring - collided while battling for the lead in Austria, resulting in a stern reprimand for Verstappen from Norris and a stewards' penalty.
However, Silverstone chief Stuart Pringle believes Verstappen need not worry about extra hostility from Norris' fellow Brits this weekend.
"I'm absolutely sure of that," he told Sky. "Our fans are first and foremost fans of sport."
Former Toro Rosso and Alpha Tauri head Franz Tost, on the other hand, suggests the triple world champion should view the extra booing as a mark of distinction.
"The English should boo Max," he grinned to f1-insider.com. "That's like a Knighthood."
"Michael Schumacher was always booed at Silverstone too," the Austrian added. "Back then he dared to be faster than Damon Hill."
Meanwhile, Pringle notes that closer races - along with recent strong performances by British drivers Norris and George Russell - have boosted ticket sales for the British GP this week.
Speaking to the Guardian, the Silverstone chief also addressed Lewis Hamilton's remark that the British GP's slower ticket sales are due to high prices.
"We fully support Lewis' comments," said Pringle. "We have a greater number of our lowest price general admission tickets available this year compared to 2023."
