Max Verstappen Vows Never to Return After F1 75 Anniversary Boos: “They Won’t….read more
Reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has declared that he will not attend future F1 75 Anniversary events following a hostile reception at the recent celebration in London. The Dutch driver, who has dominated the sport in recent years, was loudly booed by sections of the crowd at the O2 Arena, where Formula 1 teams gathered to unveil their liveries for the upcoming season. Verstappen’s father, former F1 driver Jos Verstappen, has spoken out against the treatment his son received, calling it “shameful” and unnecessary.
Boos Overshadow F1 Celebration
The F1 75 Anniversary Event was intended to be a showcase of the sport’s past, present, and future, bringing fans closer to their favorite teams and drivers. However, what should have been a celebratory atmosphere turned sour when Verstappen and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner took the stage. Large sections of the audience responded with jeers, making it clear that the reigning champion was unwelcome in some quarters.
Verstappen has now admitted that he has no interest in returning to such an event in the future, stating through his father that he will not put himself in that position again. Speaking to Dutch media outlet RaceXpress, Jos Verstappen condemned the crowd’s behavior and expressed disappointment that an event meant to promote Formula 1’s new season was overshadowed by hostility toward his son.
“In itself, I thought it was a reasonable setup, only I thought it was shameful what happened there with Red Bull Racing,” Jos Verstappen said, criticizing the negative reception Red Bull and his son received.
British Fans Still Holding a Grudge?
The animosity towards Verstappen is widely believed to stem from his intense rivalry with Lewis Hamilton, a national hero in the UK and a seven-time world champion. The Verstappen-Hamilton feud reached its peak in 2021 when the two battled fiercely for the championship in a season that ended in controversy at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The fallout from that dramatic conclusion has continued to linger, especially among British fans who felt Hamilton was unfairly denied an eighth title.
Since then, Verstappen has remained at the top of the sport, securing four consecutive world championships and establishing himself as F1’s dominant force. While his success has been celebrated by many, it has also fueled resentment among those still loyal to Hamilton. This lingering tension was evident at the London event, where Verstappen faced an audience that was far from welcoming.
A Statement That Could Stir More Drama
By publicly declaring that he will not return to such events, Verstappen has sent a strong message to both Formula 1 and its fanbase. His decision highlights the ongoing divisions within the sport and could further fuel tensions between Red Bull supporters and those loyal to Mercedes and Hamilton.
With the new season approaching, all eyes will be on Verstappen to see how he responds to the off-track drama. However, one thing is clear—if fans were hoping to see him at another F1 Anniversary event, they will be disappointed. “They definitely won’t see me,” Verstappen reportedly stated, reinforcing his decision to distance himself from events where he does not feel respected.
