The recent F175 launch event in London was marred by a wave of boos directed at Max Verstappen and Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, much to the chagrin of Verstappen’s father, Jos. The elder Verstappen has since spoken out about the negativity that filled the O2 Arena, calling it “shameful.”
The younger Verstappen and Horner were met with a frosty reception from the largely British crowd at the launch event. Despite his son being a four-time F1 World Champion, Jos Verstappen was deeply disappointed by the reaction. Even the appearance of Max Verstappen on the big screen during the event was met with a mixed response — a blend of cheers and unmistakable boos.
Perhaps this reaction was not entirely surprising given the recent history. Verstappen has seen his success come at the expense of British drivers like Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton. He’s also been vocal about his belief in a bias from British media and FIA officials – a view that might not have endeared him to the crowd.
The reception for Christian Horner was no different. Despite his status as the most successful British team boss of the last two decades, the crowd didn’t greet him with the enthusiasm one might expect. Initially taken aback, Horner soon regained his composure and carried on with the team’s launch speech.
The reaction of the crowd can largely be attributed to driver-related loyalties — home heroes Norris, Hamilton, George Russell, and rookie Oliver Bearman received a roaring applause. Still, the extent of the booing was a surprise to Red Bull.
Interestingly, Red Bull decided not to have any of their drivers, including Verstappen and new teammate Liam Lawson, speak on stage. Some speculated that this decision was a response to the booing levelled at Horner. But, Red Bull maintained that this was a decision made early in the planning stages of the event.
Jos Verstappen was unequivocal in his condemnation of the crowd’s reaction. He expressed his disappointment in the way his son and Horner were received. “I thought it was shameful what happened there with Red Bull Racing,” Verstappen told Dutch publication RaceXpress. He argued that as representatives of Formula 1, they were there to promote the sport and should not be subjected to such negativity.
The FIA, the governing body of the sport, also faced the crowd’s wrath. It’s speculated that the booing of the FIA is simply a side effect of its role as the regulator and enforcer of F1’s regulations. However, there is growing concern about the increasing tribalism within the sport, which could impact efforts to tackle online abuse.
In conclusion, the F175 launch event was filled with high drama, tension and unexpected reactions from the crowd. The fallout from the event and its impact on the sport, and especially on Red Bull, is something that will be closely watched in the coming days and weeks.
