The World’s Governing body the FIA has finally broken its silence on the response from parts of the crowd at the O2 on Tuesday night at F1-75, but rather than focus on the lukewarm reception that themselves got on the evening, the FIA has instead condemned the “tribalist” reception that Oracle Red Bull Racing CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner and current World Champion Max Verstappen got instead.
After the FIA found themselves subject to boos from certain parts of the O2 crowd in London, Christian Horner was subject to the same when he took to the stage to address the crowd during the presentation of the RB21. As Christian started speaking, he was met with loud booing and jeering from parts of the crowd, which also carried on when he introduced 4-time and current World Champion Max Verstappen. Verstappen and teammate Liam Lawson were the only drivers not to speak to the crowd at the O2, with Red Bull opting for a longer video montage for their unveiling in a move that was thought to be pre arranged by the team and organisers.
Today, though, the FIA has issued a statement on the actions of some of the crowd through a spokesperson, saying,
“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 FIA Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen and his Red Bull Team Principal and CEO, Christian Horner, at the F1 launch in London.”
“Max and Christian have both contributed greatly to the sport we love. In the season ahead, we should not lose sight of that. As part of the FIA’s commitment to protect the integrity of the sport, we are leading a coalition tackling online abuse in sport under the banner of our United Against Online Abuse campaign.”
“We stand with all of our competitors, officials, volunteers, and fans to unite against this growing threat. We urge the sporting community to consider the impact of their actions both online and offline.”
The reason for the statement is unclear as is the late timing of it but is sure to be a subject discussed by the World’s governing body when they next meet.