Respected journalist's conclusion on Verstappen's booing: 'FIA responsible'

The celebrations at London’s O2 Arena during F1 75, where all ten Formula 1 teams unveiled their 2025 cars, were somewhat overshadowed by a chorus of boos. Max Verstappen, Christian Horner, and even the FIA found themselves targeted by sections of the crowd. While such reactions might be seen as poor sportsmanship, some, including respected journalist Mark Huges, believed they were understandable.

The event was meant to be a celebratory kickoff for the new F1 season, but much of the discussion in recent days has focused on the British crowd’s treatment of Verstappen, Horner, and the FIA. In a statement last Saturday, the FIA condemned the behaviour, describing it as "idiotic tribalism".

Mark Hughes, a respected veteran British journalist, agrees with those sentiments. He argues that the FIA itself is to blame for the verbal backlash, citing the controversial events of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix under then-race director Michael Masi.

On X, Hughes wrote: "I agree with the FIA on this one actually. But I’d add that the moronic tribalism element was in part triggered by FIA’s RD’s actions AD ‘21. They have to take some responsibility." Hughes said.

In short, it seems the British fans still haven't moved on from the controversial end to the 2021 season, when Max Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton on the final lap. Do you agree with Huges? Let us know in the comments section below.