F1 Team Issue Statement After 'Encouraging Booing' of Lando Norris at Brazil GP

Racing Bulls have released an official statement after a video of staff member appearing to encourage spectators to boo Lando Norris went viral online.

After claiming a lights-to-flag victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Norris took the lead in the 2025 Drivers Championship, demoting McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri to second in the season standings.

The Brit extended his championship lead to 24 points in Sao Paulo after he won the Brazilian Grand Prix, establishing himself as the clear title favourite.

However, on both occasions Norris was booed by fans attending the races, with a video from Sao Paulo appearing to show a member of the Racing Bulls team encouraging fans to do so.

But now, the Formula One team have released an official statement addressing the clip and the reaction to Norris' recent wins.

The video, which surfaced on social media shortly after the Brazilian Grand Prix, showed a man dressed in Racing Bulls team merchandise showing a thumbs down to fans as Norris received his trophy in the podium ceremony.

In a statement posted on X reacting to the video, Racing Bulls wrote: "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."

It's unclear exactly why the Racing Bulls team member was encouraging the booing, but it could be due to Norris' rivalry with reigning champion Max Verstappen in recent years.

Racing Bulls are the junior squad of Red Bull, who have rivalled McLaren both last season and this season.

Last season, it was Verstappen that emerged victorious in the title race against Norris, but this year it appears that the Dutchman may finish the year not as the champion for the first time since 2020.

Verstappen currently trails Norris by 49 points, meaning he would need to outscore Norris by at least 16.3 points per race if he is to retain his F1 title.

But, despite the boos from fans, Norris has said that he isn't feeling the pressure, adding that the fan reaction actually made it more entertaining for him.

"People can do what they want, honestly," Norris said in Mexico. "They have the right to do it if they want to do it. I think that's sport sometimes.

"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. It was the same in Monza and a few other places. I don't know why, I just can't stop laughing, so if they want to continue they can."