Red Bull won the constructor’s title by ending Mercedes’ surreal dominance of 8 years. However, it was not a straightforward season for them. The Milton-Keynes team found themselves involved in multiple controversial situations, like the cost cap saga, over the course of the season. Moreover, despite the season’s end last Sunday, Red Bull found themselves in yet another huge controversy.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Red Bull has had their fair share of controversies this season. Recently, they were called out by 2022 Nobel peace prize winner Oleksandra Matviichuk. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has affected not just the two countries, but many others. As a result, F1 decided to cancel the Russian GP, which was originally scheduled to be hosted in Sochi this year.
In a video that is making rounds on Twitter, Oleksandra said, “This is a message to Max Verstappen and all Red Bull athletes. My name is Oleksandra Matviichuk. I am a Ukrainian human rights defender, head of the Centre for Civil Liberties. I know that driving a Formula 1 racing car is dangerous, but for millions of people, it’s very dangerous just to be in Ukraine.”
Oleksandra called out the reigning F1 champion in her video. She added, “Max, you are a leading brand ambassador of Red Bull. Can you please ask them why is Red Bull still on sale in Russia while so many global brands have pulled out?”
“I ask for your support to convince Red Bull to stop their business in Russia.”
Neither Verstappen nor the Milton-Keynes outfit has released any statement regarding the video as of yet.
F1 fans react to video calling out Red Bull Racing on Twitter
F1 fans around the world reacted to the video questioning Red Bull’s sales in Russia for more clarity and answers. They shared their questions and opinion on Twitter.
Hello @redbullracing @Max33Verstappen @SChecoPerez ?? Why are you still in Russia? #F1
Why the hell is @redbull still in Russia? To give Putin wings? Activists and Nobel Prise winner @avalaina projected this plea on the Red Bull F1 HQ overnight. pic.x.com/W9kAvKWZye
One fan claimed that Red Bull “won’t care sadly” about the issue.
I hope someone at Red Bull sees this and they stop selling their products in Russia. At Red Bull Racing they won’t care sadly.
Why the hell is @redbull still in Russia? To give Putin wings? Activists and Nobel Prise winner @avalaina projected this plea on the Red Bull F1 HQ overnight. pic.x.com/W9kAvKWZye
Get the hell out of Russia RedBull. WTF
what time we cracking open our first Red Bull today 👀
Some fans explained the importance of Max Verstappen speaking up for such an important and sensitive issue. Furthermore, they also insisted team principal Christian Horner and Red Bull’s Helmut Marko bring an end to it.
Do the correct thing and leave Russia. Till then no Bulls for me.
Sadly there are many Western companies still in Russia... astounding really.
The replies to this saying why should they disturb Redbull racing and Max Verstappen about this...max is basically the biggest name in the entirety of the brand Redbull rn, along with his team. Lewis was blamed by media for Mercedes' choice of sponsor, why is Max any different?
Why the hell is @redbull still in Russia? To give Putin wings? Activists and Nobel Prise winner @avalaina projected this plea on the Red Bull F1 HQ overnight. pic.x.com/W9kAvKWZye
WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen Wittily Responds to Backlash for 2021 Championship Win
Christian Horner and Helmut Marko must stop this 😡😡😡
Why the hell is @redbull still in Russia? To give Putin wings? Activists and Nobel Prise winner @avalaina projected this plea on the Red Bull F1 HQ overnight. pic.x.com/W9kAvKWZye
After being crowned the double world champion, the Dutchman certainly enjoys having a huge reach. Do you think Max Verstappen and RBR will respond to the questions raised by Oleksandra Matviichuk?