Max Verstappen has criticised spectators who threw flares onto the circuit during qualifying for Formula 1’s Dutch Grand Prix.
A flare was thrown onto track between Turns 12 and 13 during the early stages of Q2 at Zandvoort, causing the session to be halted while it was removed.
The FIA communicated that the person involved was swiftly identified and removed by event organisers.
Another flare was thrown onto the circuit at Turn 1 during the closing stages of Q3 but it rolled into a safe place, towards the pit lane exit, and the session continued.
Fans have already been warned against bringing flares into the circuit.
“It’s just very silly to do,” said Verstappen. “To hold flares already, it’s nice, there’s a limit to how much.
“To throw it on the track is just stupid. I think the person who did that got removed.
Just don’t do that – it’s not good for anyone, you get thrown out, you can’t see the race, and for us the session is stopped because it is dangerous, there’s stuff on the track, so you shouldn’t do it.”
The comments made by Verstappen, who went on to take pole position at Zandvoort, were echoed by nearest rivals Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.
“It’s dangerous, so don’t do this type of thing,” said Leclerc. “If a car is passing at that time it can create unnecessary risks.”
Added Sainz: “I think it’s important to let the fans know when it is possible to use the flares and when it is not.
“I think it was good that they used them on the in-lap when Max took pole but not in the middle of the race or Lap 1 when we are in the middle of fights. At 300kph, you don’t want this kind of distraction from smoke.
“Hopefully the organisation can do a good job in warning when it’s time is good to use them and when it’s not. It’s important not to throw it on track.”
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