Racing Bulls say a video of a staff member appearing to encourage spectators at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix to boo Lando Norris “doesn’t reflect our team’s values”.
World championship leader Norris has been booed by a portion of fans following his victories at the last two rounds, in Mexico City and at Interlagos on Sunday. After his latest win, which put the Brit 24 points clear of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri with three rounds remaining, a video surfaced on social media that showed a Racing Bulls team member appearing to encourage booing during the podium ceremony.
In a statement posted on X, Racing Bulls said: “We’re aware of the video from the weekend’s podium. It doesn’t reflect our team’s values or the spirit of VCARB. The matter has been handled internally. We believe in celebrating great racing and showing respect to every driver, team, and fan both on and off the track.”
Racing Bulls are the junior squad of Red Bull, McLaren’s main rival this season and last. Norris was Max Verstappen’s nearest challenger for the drivers’ title last year, while Verstappen surged back into title contention this year before recent results all but ended his hopes. With McLaren having retained the Constructors’ Championship in dominant style this year and Racing Bulls battling for sixth, there is no obvious direct rivalry between the teams.
The booing in Brazil was less intense and noticeable than in Mexico, where Norris paused a post-race interview and laughed in apparent shock at his reception. A Mexican journalist suggested to Norris at a press conference that there is a perception in Mexico he has been favoured by McLaren over Piastri — a theory linked to McLaren’s decision to swap Norris back ahead of Piastri at the Italian Grand Prix in September after a botched pit stop.
Speaking after his win in Mexico, Norris said being booed “makes it more entertaining for me. People can do what they want, honestly. They have the right to do it if they want to do it. I think that’s sport sometimes.” He added: “I don’t know why I can’t stop laughing when I get booed. I think it makes it more entertaining for me. So yeah, they can keep doing it if they want. Of course, you don’t want it. I prefer to have people cheer for me.”
The incidents appear to have had little impact on his performance, with Norris producing two of his most complete weekends of the season to extend his lead in the title race.
Formula 1’s title fight continues with the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 21-23.