The FIA has issued a strong condemnation of the hostile reception given to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and three-time world champion Max Verstappen during the F1 75 Live event in London earlier this week.
The incident, which occurred at The O2 Arena during the launch of the 2025 season, saw both figures subjected to significant booing and jeering from sections of the 16,000-strong crowd.
The reactions were labelled as “tribalist” by the sport’s governing body which has called for respect and sportsmanship from fans.
F1 75 Live was designed to be a grand celebration of Formula 1’s 75th anniversary, bringing together all 10 teams and their 2025 car liveries.
However, the event took a sour turn when Horner stepped onto the stage to present Red Bull’s segment. As he began speaking, he was met with loud jeers, which intensified when he introduced Verstappen.
Though the Dutch driver’s reception included some cheers, the overwhelming response remained negative.
Unlike most other teams, Red Bull’s drivers did not engage in on-stage interviews. Verstappen and teammate Liam Lawson refrained from addressing the crowd, in contrast to the warm welcome received by British drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and Ollie Bearman, who were greeted with loud applause.
FIA Condemns ‘Tribalist’ Reactions
In response to the incident, the FIA issued a statement calling for greater respect from fans, emphasizing the importance of a positive atmosphere for both competitors and fans.
“Great rivalries throughout the history of motorsport have contributed to making it such an exciting experience for fans,” said an FIA spokesperson.
“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.”
©RedBull
The FIA’s concerns extend beyond this specific incident, as its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has prioritized combating online and offline abuse within the sport.
Under his leadership, the FIA has launched the ‘United Against Online Abuse’ campaign, seeking to foster a healthier environment for all involved in Formula One.
Calls for Unity and Reflection
The negative atmosphere at F1 75 Live was not limited to Red Bull’s presence, as the governing body itself faced a wave of jeering from the audience when its logo was displayed on the venue’s large screens.
With the matter set to be discussed at next week’s FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting, the organization reaffirmed its stance against all forms of hostility in the sport.
“We stand with all of our competitors, officials, volunteers, and fans to unite against this growing threat,” the FIA spokesperson added.
“We urge the sporting community to consider the impact of their actions both online and offline.”
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook
