Max Verstappen’s Boycott Threats Gain Traction After ‘Rampage’ Warning from Jos

Max Verstappen has made it clear that he may refuse to participate in any future Formula 1 season launch events if they are held in the United Kingdom. This shocking stance comes after the reigning World Champion received a hostile reception from the crowd at London’s O2 Arena during F1’s collective season-launch event for the 2025 season.

His father, Jos Verstappen, has come forward to defend his son, calling out the behavior of the British fans and warning that such treatment is unacceptable. The event, intended to be a celebration of the sport, quickly turned controversial as boos erupted when Verstappen appeared on screen. Max Verstappen has threatened to boycott events such as Formula 1’s season launch if they are held in the United Kingdom.

Verstappen’s Stance on Future UK Appearances

The Red Bull Racing team had initially planned for Verstappen and his teammate Liam Lawson to avoid making stage speeches to prevent generic remarks after a long day of media obligations. However, this decision did little to quell the crowd’s reaction, leading Verstappen to reconsider his future participation in similar events.

Reports indicate that Verstappen was displeased with the overwhelmingly negative response from the predominantly British audience. Sources close to Red Bull suggest that the team was under the impression that the event’s demographic would be more diverse, rather than a crowd still bitter over defeats suffered by British drivers Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris in previous seasons.

Following the event, Jos Verstappen made a strong statement urging British fans to “take a hard look” at their behavior, claiming that his son was subjected to an unnecessary “rampage” of hostility. According to Jos, Max has no intention of returning for a similar event in the UK anytime soon. “He has to be there anyway, but then you get booed like that. I think they should take a hard look at that because that doesn’t belong in this sport.” — Jos Verstappen

Tension Between Verstappen and British Fans

This is not the first time Verstappen has found himself at odds with British fans. Since his intense rivalry with Lewis Hamilton, particularly in the 2021 season that ended in controversy at Abu Dhabi, Verstappen has been a divisive figure in British motorsport circles.

The latest London event only served to highlight this fractured relationship, as fans voiced their discontent loudly and publicly. Additionally, Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing’s Team Principal, was also met with boos when he took the stage.

Despite the hostility, Horner responded calmly, stating:

“Well, it’s fantastic to be here in the O2 anyway!”

However, Verstappen’s reaction was less diplomatic. The three-time world champion is reportedly frustrated with the treatment he received and is adamant about avoiding a repeat in future events held in the UK.

Unfinished Plans for Verstappen’s Celebration

Initially, there were grand plans to celebrate Verstappen’s fourth consecutive World Championship title with a pyrotechnics and light show, but those ideas were ultimately scrapped. Instead, Red Bull focused on a video presentation highlighting car culture, which received a lukewarm response.

Internally, Red Bull is not pleased with how the event played out. Team executives believed the launch would be an opportunity to unite fans across different regions, but instead, it became a platform for British fans to express their lingering frustrations. This has only further solidified Verstappen’s stance on boycotting future UK-hosted F1 events outside of official race weekends.

Jos Verstappen Speaks Out Against the Treatment

Jos Verstappen did not hold back when discussing the incident. He emphasized that both his son and Christian Horner were unfairly targeted by the British crowd, calling the behavior “shameful.”

“You do it for Formula 1, you are there to promote the sport, and then you are booed by the public. I don’t think that’s acceptable. It really is a disappointment what happened there.” — Jos Verstappen

Jos also pointed out that Max Verstappen is one of the few drivers willing to challenge the status quo, a quality that has made him a polarizing figure in the F1 community. While Verstappen’s talent on the track is undeniable, his outspoken nature and tense relationship with British fans continue to fuel heated debates.

FIA Responds to the Boos at London’s O2 Arena

The FIA also faced backlash from the crowd at the season launch event, though sources suggest this is not uncommon for the sport’s governing body. However, the FIA has taken a firm stance on the issue, emphasizing the need for respect within motorsport.

In a statement to PlanetF1.com, the FIA addressed the issue: “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 1 World Champion Max Verstappen and his Red Bull Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner at the F1 launch in London.”

The FIA also highlighted its United Against Online Abuse initiative, which aims to combat the growing issue of online hostility in sports. The governing body remains committed to protecting the integrity of Formula 1 and will discuss fan behavior and respect in motorsport at the upcoming World Motorsport Council meeting.

What’s Next for Verstappen and Red Bull?

Despite the controversy, Max Verstappen remains focused on the 2025 F1 season, determined to defend his World Championship title. Red Bull Racing is also standing by their star driver, ensuring that he feels supported amid the backlash.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see whether the strained relationship between Verstappen and British fans improves or continues to deteriorate. One thing is certain: if the boos and hostility persist, Verstappen may follow through on his boycott threats, permanently avoiding UK-based promotional events.

With Formula 1 growing in global popularity, Verstappen’s stance on fan respect could set a new precedent for how drivers engage with audiences worldwide. For now, all eyes remain on the upcoming season and whether the Dutchman can secure yet another championship victory.