Jos Verstappen has sternly warned Formula 1 after bothering the treatment towards his son, Max Verstappen, and Red Bull Racing by the event of F1 75 livery launch at London. The Tuesday program included booing for Max and Christian Horner, the Red Bull team principal, whenever they showed on cameras or mentioned. The FIA also got similar with complaints. Jos vehemently opposed this incident now stating that Max would not attend future such launch events held again in the United Kingdom.
The F1 75 Event: Mixed Reviews
The F1 75 livery launch in London was intended to showcase the sport along with the new designs that were to be seen in the following season. But, unfortunately, something happened when Max Verstappen and Christian Horner stood up with audiences booing for them. Jos said that it was well organized in every way, but felt sad about how they treated his son and Red Bull.
"In itself, I thought it was a reasonable set-up, only I thought it was shameful what happened there with Red Bull Racing," he added. "That Christian Horner was booed like that, and Max was booed too. Look, then you do it for Formula 1, you are there to promote the sport, and then you are booed by the public. I don't think that's acceptable."
Jos Verstappen's Criticism on the Audience
"I understand it, because Max is only one who drives that Englishmen fire up, and really tells where it's true. But this, I don't think this is acceptable; it is really a disappointment what happened there," Jos added.
But Jos, however, thinks this will never happen in Formula One.
The View of Max Verstappen Towards Future Events
After everything, Max is not into attending further similar events in the UK. Jos revealed how much it grabbed his son, saying he had sworn not to attend again if it happened in England.
"No, Max doesn't feel like that, to be booed like that in front of 25,000 people," Jos said. "He also says, 'If this is in England next year, they definitely won't see me.' And I couldn't agree more with him. You're there to promote the sport and showcase the new color schemes of the cars, but when they go on a rampage like that, the question is, what are you there to do? He has to get ready to go there anyway, but then you get booed like that. I think they should take a hard look at that because that doesn't belong in this sport."
The Wider context: Max Verstappen and British Fans
Max Verstappen enjoys and earns tension with British supporters, as mentioned above; it dates back to the shoot-out to the world title with Lewis Hamilton, which was tough as some said. Since then, spectators have looked down on this fierce sportsman whom they even booed in this particular event at the British Grand Prix and even alluded that place due to his participation in Formula 1 over there in the US. Still, he was with his best performance in 2023 when he settled his standing on top as a world champion for the fourth time. However, the booing incident at the F1 75 event highlights the continued divide that exists between Max and some of the Formula 1 fanbase.
A Call for Respect in Formula 1
Jos Verstappen says this to encourage more respect and sportsmanship in Formula 1. Rivalries and passionate fans are what make the sport, but in Jos's opinion, booing and negativity take away from the spirit of competition. His warning concerning a future boycott by Max serves to remind everyone that such incidents have a lasting impact upon the sport's image, but also its ability to really reach people.
A Turning Point for Events in Formula 1
The F1 75 livery launch was primarily meant to toast the sport and its teams, but this booing incident has thrown a shadow over it. Jos Verstappen's comments and now Max's decision to not attend future events in the UK shed light on the need for Formula 1 to look at fan behavior and discourage such incidents from happening again. As the form goes international, it will be very important for the sport to develop a rich culture of respect and inclusiveness in order to remain viable in the long term.