Opinion: why the fans’ boos toward the FIA, Christian Horner and Max Verstappen are justified. A reflection on the expressions of discontent during the London ceremony.

The F175 event held on Tuesday, February 18, at the O2 Arena in London was certainly not intended for Formula 1’s technical enthusiasts. It was more of a pre-season gala, where no noteworthy statements were made, and liveries were simply applied to last season’s cars. The event was filled with singers, DJs, concert-style lighting, and the not-so-irresistible British humor of Jack Whitehall.

The target audience was the Drive to Survive generation—fans who live in the present, with little interest in wings, flat floors, pull-rods, or push-rods. They tend to be more superficial, drawn to glamour and spectacle rather than the sport’s technical aspects.

So, it should come as no surprise that the FIA, Christian Horner, and Max Verstappen were booed during the evening. Being in London influenced the crowd’s reaction. The British media have been relentless in their criticism of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, just as they have been harsh on Christian Horner regarding the alleged misconduct scandal. And Max Verstappen not only took the 2021 championship from British driver Hamilton but also clashed with Lando Norris and George Russell on and off the track in 2024. It was to be expected.

But is booing appropriate? This age-old debate splits opinions between those who demand more respect and courtesy and those who believe that paying fans have the right to express their dissatisfaction.

And in this case, the 16,000 attendees—who sold out the event in just 20 minutes—certainly paid a hefty price: between €70 and €136, with resale prices reaching over €900 per ticket as the event approached.

The Drive to Survive generation lives on social media and is accustomed to emotional reactions. Boos are part of the game—Formula 1 has long been courting this type of fan, and just as applause exists, so do boos. If you open the doors to a wider audience (over 7.5 million viewers followed F175 on social media), you must accept the risks that come with it. You can’t invite strangers into your home and then complain about their presence.

These are simply the “boos of the trade.”

So yes, in this context, fans have every right to boo. Or should everything be censored, like the FIA’s plan to impose a forced gentlemanly attitude on drivers in the name of setting a good example?