FIA Condemns “Tribalist” Booing Of Verstappen And Horner, Urges Respect In F1

The FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, has issued a statement denouncing the “tribalist” booing directed at reigning world champion Max Verstappen and his Red Bull team principal Christian Horner during the recent F1 season launch event in London. The organization is calling for fans to show more respect and to consider the impact of their actions both online and offline.

The event, attended by more than 15,000 fans at the O2 Arena, saw Verstappen and Horner subjected to boos from the crowd, while seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton received the biggest cheers. The FIA itself was also booed by the audience.

In the statement, released on Saturday, an FIA spokesperson emphasized the importance of respect in sport, stating, “Great rivalries throughout the history of motorsport have contributed to making it such an exciting experience for fans. But what underpins sport at all levels is a culture of respect. As such, it was disappointing to hear the crowd’s tribalist reaction to … Verstappen and his Red Bull team principal and CEO Christian Horner at the F1 launch in London.”

The spokesperson also acknowledged the significant contributions made by Verstappen and Horner to the sport, saying, “Max and Christian have both contributed greatly to the sport we love. In the season ahead we should not lose sight of that.”

The booing incidents have been attributed to various factors, including Horner’s prominent role in the Netflix docuseries “Drive to Survive,” as well as allegations of inappropriate behaviour by a female employee, which he was later cleared of. Verstappen’s controversial 2021 title win, which some Hamilton fans believe was facilitated by the FIA-appointed race director, has also made him a target for jeers.

Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, told Dutch media that the booing was unacceptable and that his son had no desire to attend more such events in England. Hamilton, too, has experienced booing abroad, as have other British drivers, while Verstappen has been jeered by crowds at Silverstone.

The FIA’s World Motor Sport Council is set to hold its first virtual session of the year on Wednesday, coinciding with the first day of Formula 1’s pre-season testing in Bahrain. The matter of fan behaviour and the need for respect within the sport is likely to be discussed during this meeting.

As the FIA leads a coalition to tackle online abuse in sport, the organization is urging the sporting community to reflect on the impact of their actions and to promote a culture of respect, both in the virtual world and at live events.