The F1 75 Live event kicked off the 2025 Formula 1 season in style. All ten teams and their drivers were present to reveal their cars’ new liveries. The O2 Arena in London was full of enthusiastic fans who wanted to see their favourite drivers. However, Max Verstappen got a mixed reception.
Boos could be heard aimed at him and Red Bull team boss Christian Horner. The crowd was full of mainly British fans who were angered by the 2021 rivalry Max had with Lewis Hamilton. Max’s father Jos has claimed his son will boycott similar events in the UK.
Max Verstappen won’t return for launch events in the UK
Max Verstappen was jeered when he took to the stage during the reveal of the Red Bull livery. His father Jos has hit back against the fans who booed Max and has claimed his son won’t return to the UK for future launch events.
Jos said: “Max has no appetite for that, to be booed like that in front of 25,000 people. He also says: ‘If this is in England next year, they definitely won’t see me.’ I couldn’t agree more with him. I think they should take a hard look at that because that doesn’t belong in this sport.”
FIA Criticizes Fan “Tribalism” After Max Verstappen and Christian Horner Face Boos
The FIA has also come out to defend Verstappen and called the fan’s reaction “tribalism“. Fans were venting towards the Dutchman which has been seen at many races at Silverstone following the 2021 season.
It’s reported Red Bull is also unhappy with the event which was mainly full of British fans, so Verstappen was unlikely to receive a warm welcome.
Why was Max Verstappen booed?
The arena was mainly filled with British fans who were angered during the controversial rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton. The season had multiple incidents between the pair and the rivalry became fractious.
Hamilton often accused Verstappen of defending too aggressively while the pair crashed infamously at Silvertone, Monza and Saudi Arabia. Lewis Hamilton is looking to reignite the rivalry as he hopes his move to Ferrari will help him compete for the title.
Verstappen has also begun a rivalry with another Brit, Lando Norris. While battling for the 2024 championship. Again, Verstappen has defended on the limit, while some have accused him of crossing the line. This would not have helped his case in front of the British fans.
The fans are also unhappy with Red Bull’s domination over the past few seasons, which has seen Verstappen become a four-time world champion. Red Bull have swept aside the competition with ease in 2022 and 2023, although they were beaten in 2024. Verstappen still won the title that year but Red Bull did not have the fastest car. The 2025 season could be a difficult one for Verstappen.
