F1 News
Zak Brown on Red Bull getting booed: 'Part of it'
The rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull played a key role the previous season in F1, and it is set to continue entering 2025. The British team's CEO, Zak Brown, also reacted to their rivals getting booed in London a week ago at the F1 75 Live event, however, he explained booing is part of sports in general.
Brown not shocked by booing in sport
In Bahrain, CEO Zak Brown was also asked about the fans' reaction at the F1 75 Live, where his team McLaren were cheered on, while Red Bull Racing did not receive such response to say the least. However, Brown believes that is just sports.
"I think, I've never been to a sporting event that's been quiet where someone's not yelling at a football player for missing a goal or at an ice hockey or baseball. I think sport brings out passion, and they cheer and they boo. I didn't hear anything that was other than cheering and booing," the American shared his verdict.
However, Brown also saw other reactions, that he believes have crossed the line clearly. However, he has no concerns about booing. "I've certainly seen a lot worse on social media where you go, "Wait a minute, you're kind of going a bit too far," but cheering and booing has been part of sport, every sport, forever."
He continued: "That's what fans do. They yell at their TV when they're watching with their buddies. Everyone has a favorite team, a favorite driver, less favourites. I just think that's sport. I didn't think there was anything visceral or violent, and you definitely see other sports that have had riots break out, and that was far from that. So, I just think it was sports and fans doing what fans do when they kind of voice their opinion on who they're cheering for or not."
Brown wants more events similar to F1 75
According to the CEO, the F1 75 event was great for the fans, and hopes more similar event can also take place in the future. "I think the event was pretty awesome for the fans. We need to do more of those types of events, whether it's pre-season, more opportunities for our fans when we're testing, tyre testing, year-end awards. There's not currently an F1 awards."
Therefore, the American believes F1 should take example of other sports and competitions, even as the FIA have a motorsport awards night after the season concludes. "I'm a fan of fan events, if you'd like, and you see other sports do that quite well. I think we're making good progress there."
This article was written in collaboration with Nicole Mulder
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