The Formula 1 season launch event, F1 75, held at London’s O2 Arena on February 18, 2025, was meant to be a celebration of the sport’s illustrious history and its exciting future. However, amidst the glitzy performances, live unveilings, and interactions with fans, two of the sport’s biggest figures—Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner—found themselves facing intense boos from the crowd. The event, designed to engage the sport’s fanbase and celebrate its 75th year, took an unexpected turn as a substantial portion of the audience expressed their frustrations with Verstappen and Horner, marking a sharp contrast to the usual excitement that accompanies such a spectacle.
The Setting: F1 75 and the O2 Arena
The F1 75 event was a spectacle like no other. With over 20,000 fans in attendance, including celebrities, industry experts, and the F1 fraternity, the O2 Arena was transformed into a hub of celebration for the sport’s milestones. The event featured live performances from artists like Machine Gun Kelly and humorous skits from comedian Jack Whitehall. Formula 1 fans from around the world were in attendance, eager to witness the season launch and cheer for their favorite drivers. However, amidst the sea of excitement, tension was palpable, especially when it came to the presence of Red Bull Racing’s leadership.
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s charismatic team principal, and Max Verstappen, the reigning World Champion and dominant driver of recent seasons, have both been at the forefront of the sport’s rise to prominence. While their success is undeniable, it has not come without some controversy, particularly from fans who feel that Red Bull’s dominance over the last few years has made the sport less competitive and exciting.
The Booing of Christian Horner
Christian Horner is no stranger to controversy, and during the F1 75 event, the boos were loud and unmistakable. As he took the stage, ready to engage with the audience, a chorus of boos erupted from certain sections of the crowd. Horner, known for his confident and sometimes cheeky demeanor, acknowledged the response with good humor. “Well, it’s fantastic to be here in the O2 anyway!” he quipped, trying to ease the tension with a smile. However, the boos were a clear reflection of the frustration many fans have with the team’s unparalleled success.
For the past few years, Red Bull Racing has been a force to reckon with, thanks to Verstappen’s driving prowess and the team’s technical superiority. Their dominance has left little room for other teams, making the competition less thrilling for fans who yearn for a more level playing field. Red Bull’s success, which began in 2021, has continued into the 2025 season, making it difficult for other teams to challenge them effectively. For some fans, Horner and his team have become symbols of this overwhelming dominance, which has led to their discontent.
Horner’s lightheartedness, though, did little to quell the crowd’s reaction. It’s clear that his presence—much like the team’s success—has rubbed some fans the wrong way, leading to his being caught in the crosshairs of public opinion.
Verstappen Faces Mixed Reception
Max Verstappen, the man at the heart of Red Bull Racing’s supremacy, also faced a mixed reception during the F1 75 event. While some fans cheered for the Dutch driver, a substantial number of attendees let out their boos as well. Verstappen, known for his fierce competitiveness and sometimes abrasive personality, has been the dominant force in F1 since 2021, securing multiple World Championships in a row.
Despite his undeniable talent, Verstappen’s success has not always been welcomed with open arms by the broader F1 fanbase. His rise to the top has been marked by intense rivalries, most notably with Lewis Hamilton, and moments of controversy both on and off the track. The 2021 season, which saw Verstappen win his first World Championship in a highly contentious and dramatic showdown with Hamilton, still resonates with many fans. The controversy surrounding that season, including the disputed decisions made during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, has contributed to a souring of the perception some fans have of Verstappen.
Moreover, Verstappen’s unapologetic, no-nonsense approach to racing and his blunt comments on various topics have made him a polarizing figure. His unwillingness to engage in the media circus or take part in promotional activities is sometimes viewed as arrogance by fans who favor a more amiable driver. At F1 75, Verstappen opted not to engage in interviews, further fueling speculation that he wanted to avoid any negative fan reactions. The boos were certainly a reflection of this divide, as the Dutch driver remains a figure both admired for his skill and resented for his dominance.