Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen Booed at F1 Season Launch in London

McLaren's Zak Brown defends fan reactions as part of sports culture, while the FIA condemns 'tribalist' behavior.

Formula One F1 - Las Vegas Grand Prix - Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States - November 22, 2024 Red Bull's Max Verstappen talks to Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner after practice REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo
Formula One F1 - Pre Season Testing - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain - February 26, 2025 Red Bull's Max Verstappen during testing REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Formula One F1 - Pre Season Testing - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain - February 26, 2025 Red Bull's Max Verstappen ahead of testing REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Formula One F1 - Pre Season Testing - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain - February 26, 2025 Red Bull's Max Verstappen during testing REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Overview

  • Red Bull's Christian Horner and four-time world champion Max Verstappen were met with boos during the F175 season launch event at London's O2 Arena.
  • The FIA criticized the crowd's behavior as 'tribalist' and called for respect toward all participants in Formula One.
  • Zak Brown, McLaren's team principal, defended the booing as a natural expression of fan passion in competitive sports.
  • Horner expressed disappointment at the lack of respect shown to Verstappen but acknowledged that fan reactions often vary by location.
  • The event highlighted the evolving and increasingly diverse fanbase in Formula One, as noted by both Horner and the FIA.