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FIA responds to booing of Verstappen and Horner: ‘Disappointed of tribalist reaction’

At a recent event in London, fans of Formula 1 made their opinions known about Max Verstappen and Christian Horner, causing some controversy. Although the event was organized by Formula 1 rather than the FIA (International Automobile Federation), the FIA took notice of the reactions from the crowd. The issue of negative behavior toward drivers and team members has been a subject of concern for the FIA, as they have recently released statistics highlighting the increasing instances of insults and abuse faced by drivers. Addressing this problem has become an important priority for the organization within the broader context of improving the sport’s environment.

Motorsport is known for its intense rivalries that fuel the excitement of fans and add drama to the races. However, the FIA emphasized that such rivalries should always be rooted in respect and sportsmanship. It was disheartening for the FIA to witness the crowd’s tribal-like behavior directed toward Verstappen and Horner, who are both highly influential figures in the sport. Verstappen, the current Formula 1 World Champion, and Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, have made significant contributions to the sport and its global popularity. Despite the competitive nature of the sport, the FIA urged fans to remember the respect that should be maintained toward all individuals involved in motorsport, regardless of the team or individual they support.

The FIA reinforced that as the new season approaches, it is important to remember the value of respect and sportsmanship, highlighting that no matter the rivalry or competitive tension, all participants—whether drivers, team members, or fans—should act with dignity. The organization’s message was clear: while rivalries can make racing thrilling, they should never undermine the integrity of the sport or result in hostile behavior towards others.

As part of the FIA’s ongoing efforts to address negative behavior within the sport, the organization is actively involved in combating online abuse, launching initiatives such as the “United Against Online Abuse” campaign. This program aims to unite the sports community in taking a stand against harmful online comments and the growing problem of digital abuse. The FIA has called on the broader sporting community to acknowledge the serious consequences of online and offline actions, stressing that it is vital for everyone involved in the sport to maintain a level of respect and decency in all interactions.

The message from the FIA is one of unity and respect, urging fans, officials, and everyone involved in the sport to be mindful of how their words and actions can impact others. By fostering a positive and supportive environment, the FIA believes that motorsport can continue to grow in a way that upholds the values of respect, integrity, and fair competition.