Christian Horner breaks silence on being booed alongside Max Verstappen at F1 75

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner responded to the controversial booing incident at F1 75 over Max Verstappen's entry.

Christian Horner breaks silence on being booed alongside Max Verstappen at F1 75

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (via F1)

Formula 1’s first-ever season launch took place in London’s O2 arena. The mega spectacle was marred by fans boing Max Verstappen and Red Bull. Now, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has finally spoken up on the incident.

Verstappen was booed by attendees during Red Bull’s presentation. The Dutchman’s father Jos Verstappen claimed that the four-time world champion threatened to never attend another event in London again. While the FIA issued a statement, criticizing fans for this act.

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Christian Horner claimed that the only disappointment of F1 75 was the fact that Max Verstappen received such a negative reception. He acknowledged that passion is a pivotal aspect of Formula 1, hinting that it was likely that British fans were passionate during the moment they booed the Dutchman. As Verstappen has been an arch-rival to local heroes Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris.

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I guess the only disappointment I had with it was the reception for Max as a four-time world champion. That was disappointing, but passion in sport is always going to be there.

Christian Horner said, as quoted by MotorsportWeek

Christian Horner speculates Holland scenario over F1 75

Horner joked that things would’ve been far different had the event taken place in Holland, Max Verstappen’s home turf. The Red Bull boss highlighted that such instances will defer depending on the region as Formula 1 is a global sport with drivers from across the world.

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (Via Imago)
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (Via Imago)

If the launch would have been in Holland, no doubt the reception would have been somewhat different… You’re going to get different reactions depending on where you race in the world. That’s the same in any elite sport.

Christian Horner added

Certainly, Formula 1 will be looking to avoid such an incident in the future. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of fans to ensure they treat every driver with respect, no matter if they support them or not. Notably, Max Verstappen is yet to directly speak to the media over the incident. It is unclear whether the 27-year-old will double down on the claims made by his father.