Booing at the O2

[Andy B]

I see headlines have been made with the FIA calling out the booing at the F1 75 Show but is it surprising with the comments by MV about UK press and UK fans when holding the show in the UK surely it was expected?

https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-verstappen-christian-horner-booed-fia-statement

[lkjohnson1950]

Umm...Fans gonna boo whenever they feel like it. A Culture of Respect doesn't really exist between fans and drivers. Respect is earned by on track and off track actions and frankly I think Max and Horner have earned plenty of disrespect. They should come to New York where the fans really let go.

[Jericoke]

Max has been quite open about not caring about the fans.

I don't think he's thought it through though.  We all want to be loved.  Sports fans have long memories, and Max's victory over Hamilton in 2021 still stings.  It's entirely possible for Max to flip the script, but he hasn't made the effort.  He continues to act like the fans are beneath him.  He continues to act like he just needs to show up and do the bare minimum and get the hell out.

Hamilton, in contrast, understands that he is a 'brand', that he has to go out there in the world and spread good will.  Maybe you think he's doing too many non racing things.  Maybe he's too full of himself, but to me, he's willing to be part of the world.  He's willing to use his platform to bring progress.  He's willing to use his influence to entertain. 

Max knows what he has to do, and he's not interested in doing it.  That's fine, he can do as he wishes, he's earned that right. 

Horner, as a CEO really should know he's stepped in it and has done nothing to fix it.  Having your two key figures be controversial, know they're controversial, and refuse to do anything about it, you've got to expect problems.

This is a sport that has Briatore, who deserves to be booed as much as anyone in F1, knowing his place is out of the public eye, working his magic to help a team that he's clearly passionate about.  He's not going to be in front of the microphones until he knows he can be there without being booed.

[Andy B]

It seem MV does care what the fans think as he is saying that if another launch event takes place in the UK he will not be going that's not the attitude of someone who doesn't care.
Its interesting that the press have said very little about his comments about the British press and seem to think the booing was because Red Bull was the only team that didn't speak.
I still think he has a spoilt brat attitude.

[Willy]

Both Max and Christian do not seem to care about how they are perceived by the fans.
Red Bull has deep enough pockets that they most likely don't feel they need general approval as they can do whatever they want, whenever they want.

Jeri is correct about the 2021 extremely dirty victory over Lewis.
I for one, will never accept Max as a sportsman as he has shown us all just who he is and by association so has Christian. Horner was so thrilled to get the WDC in 2021 that he would never think to chastise Max for his behavior.

You know, when someone shows you who they are, believe them.

I would boo them as well.

[cosworth151]

I was struck by the phrase "the FIA’s commitment to protect the integrity of the sport." Sorry to have to remind all y'all in the Ivory Tower Place de la Concorde, but that ship sailed years ago.

Lonnie mentioned New York City fans - This made me think of an incident at Christmastime some years ago where Santa Claus was loudly booed at a Philadelphia Eagles NFL home game.