Christian Horner believes Sebastian Vettel’s rivals are encouraging fans to boo the four-time champion in an attempt to ‘spook’ him.
The Red Bull boss made the comments in an interview with former England Rugby coach Clive Woodward due to be aired on 5Live this Wednesday.
Speaking about Vettel’s mentality and the way the booing has affected him, Horner suggested other drivers were playing up to it.
“It’s unfortunate and it’s been difficult for him to handle because obviously he hasn’t portyrayed it and he has really felt it [the booing] and hasn’t understood it,” said the Briton.
He acknowledged that part of the reason is because of what happened in Malaysia earlier in the season – something team-mate Mark Webber agrees with – but says things have been made worse not necessarily by the fans.
“Some of it obviously came out of the perception of what happened in Malaysia that he stole a win from Mark Webber and of course he’s portrayed as the bad guy,” he continued.
“It’s been quite convenient for some of his rivals for him to be portrayed like that, so they’ve encouraged that.
“Whether that’s Fernando Alonso taking off his his cap and throwing it into the crowd as soon as Sebastian talks on the podium to get a reaction.
“The great thing about Sebastian, he’s never risen to it, he’s felt it and he’s been hurt by it. Of course there is that pantomime villain scenario or X-Factor mentality.”
Despite being hurt by the fans reaction to him winning, Horner is proud of the way he’s dealt with the negativity and got on with the job and come out on top.
“I remember being with him in Singapore on the podium and saying hold your chin up you can be proud, the team is hugely proud of what you’ve done today. He didn’t get the reaction he deserved.
“Then we go to India, he wins the world championship, defies team orders again, drives in front of the podium does all these burnouts, jumps out the car and kisses the ground and they went bananas because he’s shown that emotion.
“At 26 years of age he’s hugely impressive the way he’s carried himself, the way he’s developed as a young man. During the time he’s been with us. He is constantly under pressure, under scrutiny and of course the more successful you are the bigger the fall. Everyone is looking for that fall and he’s dealt with that outstandingly well.”
