 "Max Verstappen during the launch event in London. Image: Reuters")
Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has declared that he will boycott any future Formula 1 launch events held in England after receiving a hostile reception at F1 75 Live in London last week. The four-time world champion was greeted with a mix of cheers and boos when he appeared on screen, following his introduction by host Jack Whitehall.
Verstappen threatens to boycott future F1 events in England
Verstappen’s father and former F1 driver, Jos Verstappen, strongly condemned the incident, calling it “unacceptable.” Speaking to RaceXpress, Jos expressed his disappointment over the treatment his son received from sections of the 15,000-strong crowd at The O2. He further revealed that the Dutch driver has no interest in facing a similar reception again.
“In itself, I thought it was a reasonable set-up [of the event], but I thought it was embarrassing what happened there with Red Bull Racing, that [team principal] Christian Horner was booed so much,” Verstappen Sr. said.
“Max was booed too. Then you are there for Formula 1, to promote the sport a little bit, and all. Then you are booed by the public. I think that is unacceptable," he added.
“Look, I understand it. Max is the only one who puts the English drivers under pressure and who tells it exactly how it is, but I think it is unacceptable and a real disappointment what happened there.”
“No, Max doesn’t feel like being booed in front of 25,000 people. He also says: ‘If this is in England again next year, they certainly won’t see me there,’ and I completely agree with him.”
The tensions between Verstappen and the British F1 fans have been evident since his controversial 2021 title battle with Lewis Hamilton. The Dutch driver’s dominance with Red Bull Racing in recent seasons is one of the primary reasons behind the animosity.
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