If the Formula 1 collective season kickoff is held in the UK again next year, Max Verstappen may choose not to participate.
A sizable portion of the 15,000-person crowd jeered Verstappen and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner during the recent season launch event at the O2 Arena.
The FIA, which was also jeered when mentioned during the show, has since released a statement calling for an end to the “tribalist” sentiments that are permeating the sport as it gains popularity.
“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.
Verstappen’s well-known father, Jos, described the booing as “shameful,” despite calling the event itself 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.”
Jos made a special effort to support Horner following the crowd’s response, but the former Formula One racer isn’t afraid to voice concerns about Red Bull’s possible decline.
“If they can’t get out of this (situation), then you’re worried about the years after that,” Verstappen Senior. stated. “We are optimistic, but we do want to see progress.”
In just one week, design guru Adrian Newey will begin working at Aston Martin. Jos Verstappen wondered if Red Bull could still produce a good car with these new hires. Since everything is new in 2026, you will also bring that with you.
“We simply need to wait and hope that Red Bull has produced a high-quality vehicle.”