Max Verstappen's dad Jos has insisted his son will boycott future Formula 1 events in England after facing hostile reception at the F1 75 event at London's O2 Arena.
The four-time world champion and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner were met with loud boos during Tuesday's celebration, where teams gathered to showcase their new liveries.
Jos Verstappen has condemned the crowd's behaviour as "shameful" and confirmed his son will not attend similar events in England next year.
The event, celebrating Formula 1's 75th anniversary, saw every team present their livery for the upcoming season at the packed London venue.
Max Verstappen was booed on stage, while Christian Horner also received a similar treatment
Reuters
Verstappen was one of the few drivers who did not speak on stage during the presentation.
The crowd's negative reaction extended beyond the Dutch driver, with both Christian Horner and even the FIA logo drawing boos from the 25,000-strong audience.
The response was particularly notable given that British drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris received enthusiastic cheers from the home crowd.
Speaking to RaceXpress, Jos Verstappen expressed his dismay at the treatment of the Red Bull team.
JUST IN: British Indoor Athletics Championships event delayed after fire forces Utilita Arena evacuation
"I thought it was shameful what happened there with Red Bull Racing," he said. "That Christian Horner was booed like that, and Max was booed too."
"Look, then 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," the former F1 driver added.
He acknowledged that Max "fires up those Englishmen," but maintained the response was "really a disappointment."
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo labelled a 'f****** man-child' for his red card reaction
Red Bull received a hostile reception at F1 75 event at London's O2 Arena
Reuters
Max Verstappen had previously expressed reluctance about attending the O2 Arena event, describing it "sarcastically" as "fantastic" when first announced.
Jos Verstappen confirmed his son's future stance, stating: "Max has no appetite for that, to be booed like that in front of 25,000 people.
"He also says: 'If this is in England next year, they definitely won't see me'."
"You are there to promote the sport and showcase the new colour schemes of the cars," Jos added. "I think they need to take a hard look at that, because that's not part of this sport."
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
- Luke Littler makes feelings clear after losing temper during Gerwyn Price Premier League defeat
- Roy Keane's daughter, 29, makes heartbreaking admission after being diagnosed with incurable disease
- Travis Kelce admits surprise response to Super Bowl loss after 'going off the grid' amid retirement rumours
Christian Horner was roundly booed when he came on stage at the F1 75 event at London's O2 Arena
Reuters
Red Bull had never planned to have their drivers speak during the seven-minute slot, focusing instead on their launch video and car reveal routine.
Verstappen and teammate Liam Lawson were the only two drivers not to address the crowd, with Horner designated as the team's front man.
The Dutch driver has often distanced himself from such promotional events, preferring to focus on racing.
The start of the Formula 1 season remains three weeks away, with Verstappen playing down his recent rift with George Russell at the O2.
