The iconic O2 Arena in London was the backdrop for the F175 launch event, a gathering that saw Red Bull’s stalwarts, Max Verstappen and Christian Horner, face a chilly reception from a largely British audience. The response to Verstappen’s virtual appearance was a cocktail of applause and jeering, while Horner walked into a decidedly frostier ambience upon his entrance on stage.
Verstappen’s recent winning streak in Formula 1, often at the expense of Britain’s beloved racers like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, had stirred the pot of discontent among fans. This, coupled with Verstappen’s outspoken criticism of the British press and the International Automobile Federation (FIA), was likely the catalyst for the audience’s negative vibes.
Christian Horner, despite his impressive track record as one of Britain’s most triumphant team principals in contemporary F1 history, was met with resolute hostility as he took to the stage, as reported by London Insider. Despite the initial shock, Horner quickly regained his composure to carry on with his presentation.
A stark contrast was evident in the crowd’s reaction towards Red Bull members and British drivers, including Norris, Hamilton, George Russell, and the newcomer Oliver Bearman. The audience was vocally supportive of their local champions, while their disapproval was unabashedly evident for the key figures of the Austrian team.
Jos Verstappen, the patriarch of the Verstappen clan, didn’t take too kindly to the treatment meted out to Red Bull at the event. Despite his often tense relationship with Horner, Jos was unequivocal in expressing his dissatisfaction with the audience’s behavior.
Jos Verstappen commented, “It was a decent event, but the way Red Bull Racing was treated was disgraceful. The booing of Christian Horner, and of Max, was unacceptable. We’re here to promote the sport, and getting booed by the public is not on. I get it, Max is the one who riles up the English crowd by calling it as he sees it. But this behavior is unacceptable and truly disappointing.”
The FIA also had its share of the crowd’s displeasure, with jeers directed towards it and Red Bull’s representatives. Sources told PlanetF1.com that such reactions could be attributed to the FIA’s regulatory role, which often puts them in the crosshairs of public opinion. The governing body remains alarmed about the escalating tribalism in Formula 1, as evidenced by their ongoing efforts to combat online abuse through campaigns like United Against Online Abuse.
The London event underscored the widening chasm in the sport’s fanbase, divided by team and driver loyalties. It cast a spotlight on the heightened emotions swirling around Formula 1’s brightest stars.