Why Verstappen Might Boycott the Next F1 Launch
Feb.24 - Max Verstappen may boycott next year's Formula 1 group season launch if it is once again held in the UK.
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner and Verstappen were both booed by a significant portion of the 15,000 fans at the O2 arena recently.
The FIA, whose mention during the presentation was also met with boos, has now responded, calling for an end to "tribalist" thinking that has crept into the sport as it become more popular.
"What underpins sport at all levels is a culture of respect," a spokesperson said. "As such, it was disappointing to hear the crowd's tribalist reaction" to quadruple world champion Verstappen and Horner.
"We stand with all of our competitors, officials, volunteers, and fans to unite against this growing threat. Max and Christian have both contributed greatly to the sport we love," the FIA official added.
According to Verstappen's famous father Jos, he said the sound of the booing was "shameful" even though it was otherwise a "reasonable presentation".
"Look, you're there for Formula 1, you're there to promote the sport, and then you get booed by the crowd. I don't think that's acceptable," he told RaceXpress.
"I understand it, because Max is the only one who fires up those English people and tells them exactly how things are, but I don't think it's acceptable.
"Max told me 'If this is in England next year, they will definitely not see me'," Verstappen senior said. "And I completely agree with him."
And while Jos also specifically defended Horner in the wake of the booing, the former F1 driver openly admits he is concerned that the Red Bull team could be on the decline.
"If they can't get out of this (situation), then you're worried about the years after that," Verstappen snr said. "We are optimistic, but we do want to see progress."
With Adrian Newey now poised to start work at Aston Martin, Jos Verstappen continued: "Can (Red Bull) still, with these new people, create a good car? Because you will also take that with you to 2026, where everything is new.
"It is just a matter of waiting and hoping that Red Bull has built a good car."
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I'm still skeptical whether Max & Christian were actually booed as I didn't hear any booing for them, but only towards the FIA when they were mentioned & the logo was displayed.
However, I totally understand if Max wanted to avoid attending in case such a big launch event gets held not only again in the first place but again in England specifically.
A possible 2026 equivalent event could take place in Madrid, for example, to coincide with the city's inaugural year of hosting a GP.
Max and Horner are respectively a very fast driver and a great team manager but they don’t always treat the rules in the manner they were intended or in a sportsmanlike way. Hence they are not respected by some of the audience who booed them, it’s not rocket science.
They did Boo Horner from what i saw, but playing devils advocate , watching boxing booing is obligatory seemingly, F1 shouldnt be any different and if so why?
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