After relentless boos in London, Max Verstappen is set to boycott future UK F1 launches, sparking debate over fan behavior in motorsport.
Jos Verstappen has warned Formula 1 that his son Max will boycott a launch event next year if it is held in the UK again, following “shameful” boos during the F1 75 show.
At the livery launch event in London, Max Verstappen was booed by the crowd every time he appeared on camera or his name was mentioned. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner received a similar reception, as did the FIA and, to a lesser extent, Pirelli.
It is currently unclear whether a livery launch event will be held annually or even again.
Although Jos found the show generally enjoyable, he was outraged by the hostile reception his son and the Milton Keynes-based team received.
“In itself, I thought it was a reasonable event, but I found what happened to Red Bull Racing shameful.”
“Christian Horner was booed just like that, and so was Max. Look, you’re doing this for Formula 1, you’re there to promote the sport, and then you get booed by the crowd.”
“I don’t think it’s acceptable. I understand, because Max is the only one who fires up the English and tells them exactly how it is. But I don’t think it’s acceptable, it’s really disappointing what happened there.”
After this show and the boos he received, Max has no desire to attend another launch event in England, according to his father.
“No, Max doesn’t want this anymore, being booed like that in front of 25,000 people. He also told me, ‘If it’s in England next year, they certainly won’t see me there.’ And I couldn’t agree with him more.”
“You’re there to promote the sport and showcase the new car liveries, but when the crowd behaves like that, the question is: what’s the point of being there?”
“Being booed like that, and others too (the FIA, Pirelli), I think Formula 1 should seriously consider this because it has no place in the sport.”
FIA responds to Jos
Alerted by Jos Verstappen’s comments, the FIA released a statement a few minutes ago.
“The great rivalries that have shaped the history of motorsport have helped make it an exciting experience for fans.”
“But what underpins the sport at all levels is a culture of respect. That’s why it was disappointing to hear the tribalistic reaction of the crowd towards FIA Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen and his team principal and CEO of Red Bull, Christian Horner, at the F1 launch in London.”
“Max and Christian have both made significant contributions to the sport we love. As we head into the upcoming season, we must not lose sight of that.”
“As part of the FIA’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the sport, we are leading a coalition tackling online abuse in sports under the banner of our United Against Online Abuse campaign.”
“We stand with all our competitors, officials, volunteers, and fans in uniting against this growing threat. We urge the sporting community to consider the impact of its actions both online and offline.”
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Verstappen to Snub UK F1 Launch After Hostile Reception Verstappen to Snub UK F1 Launch After Hostile Reception Verstappen to Snub UK F1 Launch After Hostile Reception
