The FIA has issued an official statement in response to the negative reception experienced by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and team principal Christian Horner at the 2025 F1 car launch event held at the O2 Arena earlier this week. The event, organized to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula 1, was the first of its kind, with all 10 teams showcasing their 2025 car designs. However, what was meant to be a celebratory occasion for the sport turned into a moment of controversy when Verstappen and Horner were met with boos from the crowd as they made their way onto the stage.The public reaction at the launch, where Verstappen, the reigning World Champion, and Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, were booed, has led to widespread discussion. Verstappen’s performance in the sport and Red Bull’s dominance in recent seasons have polarized opinions among fans. The boos that greeted them were perceived by many as a manifestation of frustration toward Red Bull’s success, which has overshadowed other teams and drivers in recent years. Verstappen, in particular, has been the subject of both adoration and criticism. His continued success has led some fans to express frustration over the lack of competition, and the boos were seen as an extension of this sentiment.In the aftermath of the event, Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, revealed that Max had considered boycotting future events, citing the negative treatment that he and his team principal had received. Horner also issued a statement earlier this week, addressing the incident and expressing disappointment over the reception. Despite the controversy, both Verstappen and Horner have remained focused on the upcoming season, with Red Bull aiming to continue their strong form and maintain their lead in the Constructors’ Championship.The FIA, the governing body of motorsport, quickly responded to the incident, releasing an official statement condemning the treatment of Verstappen and Horner. While the FIA did not directly address the boos directed at their own organization, they emphasized the importance of respect in the sporting community. The statement began by acknowledging that great rivalries have long been a defining feature of motorsport, contributing to its excitement and global appeal. However, it stressed that underlying all the competition should be a culture of respect. The FIA expressed disappointment at the “tribalist reaction” directed at Verstappen and Horner at the F1 launch event, noting that both individuals have made significant contributions to the sport over the years.In a broader context, the FIA used the incident as an opportunity to reiterate its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the sport. As part of this commitment, the governing body highlighted its ongoing efforts to combat online abuse in motorsport through its “United Against Online Abuse” campaign. This initiative seeks to tackle the growing problem of harassment and abuse directed at drivers, team personnel, and other stakeholders in the sport. The FIA called for the sporting community to reflect on the impact of their actions, both online and offline, and to ensure that the sport remains a welcoming environment for all participants.The statement concluded with a call for unity and respect as the new season approaches. The FIA urged the motorsport community to appreciate the contributions of all competitors, officials, volunteers, and fans. It was a reminder that while rivalries are a natural part of the sport, they should never cross the line into disrespect or hostility. As the 2025 Formula 1 season draws closer, the governing body hopes to foster a culture that values mutual respect and sportsmanship, ensuring that the sport remains enjoyable and inclusive for everyone involved.The controversy surrounding the F1 car launch event has certainly caused a stir in the motorsport world, and it remains to be seen how the dynamics between teams, drivers, and fans will evolve over the course of the new season. What is clear, however, is that the FIA is committed to protecting the integrity of the sport and addressing issues that threaten its reputation, whether they occur on the track, in the paddock, or in the stands.
