Norris, who stretched his championship lead to 24 points after another dominant performance in Sao Paulo, was met with a smattering of boos as he celebrated his second straight victory, following similar treatment at the Mexico Grand Prix a week earlier.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In footage shared widely on social media, a Racing Bulls team member was seen gesturing with a thumbs-down as Norris lifted his winner\u2019s trophy. The team issued a statement on Wednesday, distancing itself from the act, insisting it did not reflect their values.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe\u2019re aware of the video from the weekend\u2019s podium,\u201d Racing Bulls said. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t reflect our team\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The incident comes amid an unexpected trend of booing aimed at Norris, who has emerged as the front-runner in this year\u2019s title race. While the reason for the jeers remains unclear, the 25-year-old Briton has responded calmly, choosing to focus on his performance rather than the noise around him.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After the Brazil GP, Norris addressed the situation on social media, writing: \u201cJust ignore everyone who talks crap about you! Focus on yourself, I\u2019m pushing hard away from the track. It doesn\u2019t come easy for sure \u2014 happy to come out with the win.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The booing first surfaced in Mexico, where Norris was reportedly targeted by sections of the crowd unhappy over perceived preferential treatment from McLaren towards him over his teammate and title rival, Oscar Piastri.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After the Brazil GP, Norris addressed the situation on social media, writing: \u201cJust ignore everyone who talks crap about you! Focus on yourself, I\u2019m pushing hard away from the track. It doesn\u2019t come easy for sure \u2014 happy to come out with the win.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Norris also defended McLaren\u2019s approach to team strategy, pointing to moments when he had supported Piastri in the past. \u201cSure, if they want to think that, they can do whatever they want. As a team, we tried to do things fairly. Same with last year in Budapest \u2014 I let Oscar win the race he deserved to win. If they want to have the three points back, they can. Oscar deserved the win in Budapest, I deserved the win in Monza.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n