WATCH: Ferrari fans who were shown the finger by Max Verstappen apologize to him for their behavior at Imola

Ferrari fans who flipped Max Verstappen at the 2024 F1 Imola GP qualifying session recently uploaded an apology video. In response to their rude gesture, the three-time world champion had not hesitated to show them the middle finger as well.

During qualifying, when Max Verstappen was exiting the pitlane, two Ferrari fans showed thumbs down and middle fingers to the Red Bull driver. They were in the stands right above the pit wall. Verstappen was quick to notice them and flip them back in response.

Later on, when Verstappen returned to the pits and prepared to exit the pitlane, he once again saw the two Ferrari fans, but this time they were applauding him, not being rude. The behavior of the fans did not seem to affect the reigning world champion in the slightest as he bagged pole position and eventually won the race at Imola.

After the race, both the Ferrari fans posted an apology video on their Instagram accounts. They admitted that they were out of line when they showed the middle finger to Max Verstappen and accepted their misconduct. They hilariously stated how excited they were after Verstappen noticed them and flipped them.

"We just want to apologize for being idiots," one of the fans said.

"We just want to say we are really sorry. It's our fault, it's not your fault for showing us the middle finger, and we were so proud that you showed us the middle finger!" the other added.

"We jumped around like little girls. We want to say thank you Max, after that you became a legend in our hearts and we love you for that," the former concluded.

---

Max Verstappen on Ferrari fans being rude to him during Imola GP qualifying

Max Verstappen addressed how a few Ferrari fans including the two who shared the apology were being rude to him during the qualifying session, and how he flipped them off in turn. Speaking in the post-qualifying press conference, the Dutchman explained how after he flipped the fans, they were applauding him the second time he arrived at the pit exit where he'd encountered them.

The Red Bull star stated how people learn and that he can also be rude if he wants to.

"A lot of people were clapping. Then one guy, he was doing some different things to me, so I gave him the finger. And then the next time I came around, he was clapping. So, you know, they learn. You know, it's easy to be not nice to drivers, but I can also be not nice to you, you know! So, luckily he was a bit higher up. But it's good. After that, I guess he appreciated it," Verstappen said.

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri also chimed in that the same fans had shown him a thumbs-down gesture as well.