The launch event at the O2 Arena in London was marred by a hostile reception for Red Bull Racing’s team principal and four-time champion, prompting backlash from fans and officials.
The Formula One 75 season launch event, held at the O2 Arena in London on 14 February, has provoked a notable controversy following the reception experienced by Red Bull Racing’s team principal Christian Horner and four-time world champion Max Verstappen. The event was meant to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary, drawing a substantial audience both in person and through various viewing platforms, with reports suggesting it was watched by nearly 7.5 million viewers.
During the event, which featured introductions from host Jack Whitehall, both Horner and Verstappen faced a rowdy reception, primarily consisting of boos from a British crowd predominantly supportive of rival teams. This reaction has led to a backlash against the fans from various quarters, including Horner himself, who expressed disappointment regarding the treatment of Verstappen, emphasising that it was disheartening for a four-time champion to be met with such hostility during what should be a celebratory occasion for all drivers.
Reflecting on the booing incident at an earlier pre-season testing session in Bahrain, Horner acknowledged the nature of the sport, stating, “Launching your car is a bit like launching your away strip in a home fans’ stadium, so fans will always back the teams and drivers that they want to.” He also noted that if the event had been held in the Netherlands, Verstappen would likely have received a much warmer welcome. Despite acknowledging the competitive passion inherent in sports, Horner articulated his disappointment over the crowd’s reaction to Verstappen.
Meanwhile, the backlash has prompted Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, to declare the booing “unacceptable,” revealing that his son may consider boycotting similar events in London in the future, contingent upon whether they are held there again. Jos voiced his agreement with Max, who stated, “If this is in England again next year, they certainly won’t see me there,” following the unfavourable response.
The FIA, which governs Formula One, has also issued a statement condemning what they termed the “tribalist” crowd reaction, asserting that while rivalries fuel excitement, a foundational culture of respect should prevail. The FIA’s statement has further divided opinions within the motorsport community, particularly given past controversies surrounding Horner’s conduct.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff weighed in, dismissing complaints about the crowd’s reactions. “We shouldn’t talk an event down that was mega just because one single individual, rightly or wrongly, was booed when he spoke,” he said, highlighting the overall success of the event despite the less favourable moments for Horner and Verstappen.
McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown defended the fans’ reactions, suggesting that cheering and booing are innate aspects of sporting events. He remarked, “Cheering and booing has been part of sport, every sport, forever, and that’s what fans do,” emphasising that the outcry was far from violent and reflected passion for the sport.
As pre-season testing progresses in Bahrain, the potential for future launch events remains uncertain. Although the FIA has yet to finalise decisions regarding the format of next year’s ceremonies, there are indications that alternative locations may be considered, including interest from countries such as Saudi Arabia. The first race of the season, the Australian Grand Prix, is set to take place on 16 March, marking the official start of the 2025 F1 season amid an escalating atmosphere of rivalry and fan engagement.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The event occurred on 14 February, and the article discusses current reactions and future plans, indicating recent content. However, without specific dates for all statements, it’s hard to confirm if all information is entirely up-to-date.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Quotes from Christian Horner, Jos Verstappen, Max Verstappen, and Toto Wolff are included, but without specific sources or dates for these quotes, it’s challenging to verify their originality. They appear to be recent and contextually relevant.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Independent, a reputable news source known for its reliability and credibility in reporting news.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the event and reactions from key figures are plausible given the competitive nature of Formula One and past controversies. The discussion of potential future event locations also aligns with typical pre-season speculation.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be recent and well-supported by quotes from relevant figures in the sport. The source is reliable, and the claims are plausible within the context of Formula One’s competitive environment.
