Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Max Verstappen, Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton
Jack Kenmare
Jake Humphrey has criticised a section of fans who attended the first-ever F1 launch event after seeing what they did to four-time Formula 1 champion and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.
Verstappen was in attendance for the much-anticipated F1 75 event in London on Tuesday as all 10 teams showcased their liveries ahead of the 2025 campaign, which gets underway in Melbourne next month.
Lewis Hamilton made his first public appearance as a Ferrari driver and as expected, the Brit received a thunderous reception from fans inside the O2 Arena.
“How you doing, London?” said Hamilton, who looked delighted by his reception. "I think the word that I’m thinking of is invigorating. I feel so full of life [and] so much energy because everything’s new."
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On the other hand, current world champion Verstappen received a not-so-welcome reception from those in the crowd. In fact, the German driver was loudly booed as he took to the stage.
This reaction to Verstappen's appearance was criticised by presenter Jake Humphrey, who hosted F1 coverage on the BBC for four seasons between 2009 and 2012.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, he said: "Hate Max being booed. From personal experience he’s a funny guy, a brilliant racer, a great team player and I am 100% certain the sport is poorer without him."
Humphrey added: "He’s given us masses of drama the last few years and is HUGELY talented. IMO he deserves way more respect. Proper champ."
A fan then replied to his post, writing: "Shouldn’t have stolen Lewis' championship then."
Humphrey soon hit back, saying: "He didn’t. It was nothing to do with him or RBR regardless of whether it was the right decision."
As well as being booed, Verstappen was targeted by presenter Jack Whitehall, who aimed a not-so-subtle dig at the Red Bull driver about his beef with Mercedes driver George Russell.
Speaking directly to the F1 champion, Whitehall said: “Cheer up Max, it could’ve been worse, we didn’t see you next to George Russell. Where is George? Have you two kissed and made up yet?"
Moments later, the cameras immediately cut to Verstappen who was sat at a table alongside Christian Horner and the rest of the Red Bull F1 team.