And this week, Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle claimed Red Bull's superiority was proving a turn-off for fans. “Last year was very repetitive in terms of one team dominated,” Pringle told Motorsport.com.

Pringle did concede that selling tickets wasn’t an issue when Hamilton was dominating the sport, but argued that home fans were happy to turn up in droves for a British winner. “It’s certainly been a lot harder with Red Bull dominating,” he added.

But Verstappen, 26, has now hit back. And he’s pointed the finger at Pringle and co for seemingly failing with their own promotion of the race that will take place the weekend July 5-7.

"I don't think it's my fault,” he told reporters."The F1 season is very exciting with a lot of teams fighting for wins now. If the promoter can't fill the seats and they blame it on someone else, then I think they first have to look at themselves, because other places are quite easy to fill."

Verstappen is aiming for just his second win at Silverstone after prevailing last year. Hamilton is statistically the most successful F1 driver at the venue, having claimed victory at the track eight times.

And this year will represent the final time fans can see the 39-year-old icon compete on British soil in a Mercedes. But he is set to continue racing until 2026 at least, joining Ferrari next year on a two-year deal.

Fans online have also cited rising ticket prices as a reason for a drop in ticket sales. A four day weekend ticket for fans, that includes access to Thursday’s launch party, costs in excess of £350.

A three-day ticket is priced at over £250, while a one-day pass for Sunday also costs in excess of £200, regardless of the choice of seat. The British Grand Prix has formed part of the F1 championship every year since 1950, even during the Covid affected season in 2020.