The Racing Bulls have claimed that a video of staff encouraging spectators to boo Lando Norris at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix “does not reflect the team’s values”.
World championship leader Norris has been booed by some fans after winning his last two races in Mexico City and Sunday at Interlagos.
Following his latest victory, which left him 24 points clear of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri with three rounds remaining, a video was released on social media showing members of the Racing Bulls team appearing to incite boos during the podium ceremony.
In a statement published in X on Wednesday, Racing Bulls said: “We are aware of the footage from the podium over the weekend.
“This does not reflect the values of our team or the spirit of VCARB. This matter was handled internally.
“We celebrate great racing and believe in showing respect to all drivers, teams and fans on and off the track.”
Racing Bulls is Red Bull’s junior team and has been McLaren’s main rival this season and last year. Norris was Max Verstappen’s closest challenger to the drivers’ title last year, but the Dutchman has jumped back into title contention this year, but the results of the past two races have all but ended his hopes.
There is no obvious direct rivalry between the two teams, with McLaren retaining the constructors’ championship in dominant style this year and Racing Bulls battling for sixth place.
The booing in Brazil was less intense and noticeable than in Mexico, where Norris interrupted his post-race interview and laughed, clearly shocked at the reception.
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Highlights of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
A Mexican journalist suggested to Norris during a press conference at the event that there was a perception in Mexico that Norris was more favored by McLaren than Piastri.
The theory is largely based on McLaren’s decision to bring Norris back ahead of Piastri after the team failed to make Norris’ pit stop at the Italian Grand Prix in September.
After his win in Mexico, Norris said receiving boos “makes it more fun for me.”
“People can honestly do what they want,” Norris said in Mexico. “They have the right to do it if they want to do it, and sometimes I think that’s what sport is.
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Lando Norris talks about how he worries about online criticism too much and how shutting it out has helped him stay on track.
“I don’t know why I can’t stop laughing when I get booed. I think that makes it funnier for me. So if they want to, they can continue.”
“Of course you don’t want that. I prefer to have people cheering. It was the same in Monza and some other places. I don’t know why, but I can’t stop laughing, so if they want to continue, they can continue.”
The incident seemed to have little effect on his performance, with Norris enjoying his most productive two weeks of the season and catapulting himself into title contention.
F1’s thrilling title race continues until the Las Vegas Grand Prix from November 21-23, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
