“It was a great event": Mercedes boss Toto Wolff sets record straight on Max Verstappen's alleged booing at London F1 season launch

The F1 75 season launch at London’s O2 Arena was meant to be a celebration of the sport, showcasing all 10 liveries for the upcoming 2025 campaign. However, the event took an unexpected turn when Red Bull’s four-time World Champion Max Verstappen and team principal Christian Horner were reportedly booed by sections of the 15,000-strong audience. Despite the controversy, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff came to Verstappen's defense, dismissing claims that the Dutch driver faced any jeering.

Toto Wolff Defends Max Verstappen Amid Booing Controversy at F1 75 Season Launch

Toto Wolff, who was present at the event, firmly stated that he did not perceive any booing directed at Verstappen. His stance was echoed by Sky F1 reporter Craig Slater, who noted, “I don’t think he [Verstappen] got booed exactly, there was plenty of cheers I heard for him as well.” Wolff supported this by saying, “I think, as you say, I don’t think that Max was booed.” This perspective contradicts the narrative that had surfaced following the event, leading to Verstappen's father, Jos, expressing his displeasure and suggesting that his son may avoid attending future events in England.


While Wolff defended Verstappen, he acknowledged that Christian Horner did receive a negative response from the crowd. However, Wolff emphasized that this should not overshadow the success of the event. He remarked, “And we shouldn’t talk an event down that was mega just because one single individual, rightly or wrongly, was booed when he spoke.” He went on to praise the occasion, stating, “It was a great event. I mean, the spectators there were great. The presentation of the cars was good. And it sets a new format for the years to come and that is the positive we need to take from that.”

The dynamic between Wolff and Horner has long been one of the most intense rivalries in F1, with verbal sparring becoming a regular feature of their interactions. In fact, their feud was reignited in late 2024 following tensions between Verstappen and Mercedes driver George Russell, during which Wolff jokingly referred to Horner as a “yapping little terrier.” When asked if he was among those who booed Horner, Wolff humorously replied, “No, I wasn’t booing. There was 15,000 people that did that! It wasn’t necessary that I did.”

Also Read: Max Verstappen considers boycotting future F1 launches after facing 'Unacceptable' booing from London fans

As F1 2025 pre-season testing approaches in Bahrain, the fallout from the London event continues to spark debates. Regardless, Wolff remains focused on the positives, highlighting the event’s success and its potential to shape future season launches.

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