The FIA has released a statement addressing the boos directed at the reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen and Christian Horner during the F1 75 live event.
All 10 teams were present at Tuesday’s big event with every livery showcased to the 15,000 fans in the O2 Arena and the millions watching from home.
During Red Bull’s presentation, Team Principal Horner and star racing driver Verstappen appeared on stage to present the RB21.
However, jeers could be heard from the mostly British crowd during the team’s livery reveal.
The unpopularity of the Milton Keynes-based squad in the UK started after the 2021 season, which saw Verstappen’s title fight against Lewis Hamilton end in controversy in the Abu Dhabi finale.
Appalled by the crowd’s behaviour, the FIA has criticised the audience for the “tribalist reaction” to the four-time World Champion.
“Great rivalries throughout the history of motorsport have contributed to making it such an exciting experience for fans,” an FIA spokesperson said.
“But what underpins sport at all levels is a culture of respect.
“As such, it was disappointing to hear the crowd’s tribalist reaction to FIA Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen and his Red Bull Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner, at the F1 launch in London.
“Max and Christian have both contributed greatly to the sport we love.
“In the season ahead we should not lose sight of that.
“As part of the FIA’s commitment to protect the integrity of the sport, we are leading a coalition tackling online abuse in sport under the banner of our United Against Online Abuse campaign.
“We stand with all of our competitors, officials, volunteers, and fans to unite against this growing threat.
“We urge the sporting community to consider the impact of their actions both online and offline.”
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