Lando Norris was booed at the Mexican Grand Prix: There is more behind the fans’ displeasure than just an old statement about Sergio Perez.
The passionate fans at the Mexican Grand Prix reacted unusually frostily to Lando Norris over the weekend. The McLaren driver was booed throughout the Formula 1 event in Mexico City – not only on race Sunday, but also during previous sessions.
At the legendary Foro Sol Stadium, known for its electric atmosphere, spectators cheered for almost every car that passed by. Only when the McLaren with start number 4 passed did the cheering give way to audible grumbling and crossed arms in the stands. After his pole position on Saturday and race victory on Sunday, Norris was clearly booed during interviews and the award ceremony. The Briton was surprised: “I honestly don’t know why,” he said in the post-race press conference. “People can do what they want, they have the right to. That’s how sport is sometimes.” Norris took the boos with humor: “I just can’t stop laughing when I get booed. Somehow it makes the whole thing even more entertaining for me. Of course, you don’t really want that, I’d prefer people to cheer for me. But I just focus on my work.“
Speculation about possible causes
Former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok, on the other hand, shows no understanding for the audience’s reaction. ”I hate booing. Whenever that happens, I think it’s terrible,“ the Indian told Sky Sports F1. ”It’s just wrong. Lando has done an excellent job and that should be rewarded with applause.”
There was speculation on social media and in the paddock that the fans’ reaction could be related to older comments Norris made about Sergio Perez. At the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, he said that Max Verstappen had “no teammate who could challenge him in any way” — a statement that did not go down well in Mexico, Perez’s home country. However, another issue currently seems to be causing discontent: the impression that McLaren favors Norris over his teammate Oscar Piastri. The background to this is the incident at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, when Piastri gave up his position to Norris on team orders.
McLaren itself emphasizes that the so-called “papaya rules” are intended to ensure fair conditions between the two drivers. Nevertheless, every strategic decision is evaluated subjectively, especially when it interferes with the direct duel.
Norris reacts calmly to criticism
After the race, Fast Mag writer Carlos Jalife asked Norris if he would give back the three points from Monza to appease the fans. The 25-year-old calmly replied:
“If they want to think that, they have every right to,” said Norris. “From our perspective as a team, we try to handle things fairly. That was also the case in Budapest two years ago, when I could have won the race, but Oscar took the victory he deserved. It was basically no different.“
He continued: ”If they want the three points, they can have them. But just as Oscar deserved to win in Budapest, I deserved to be in front at Monza. It’s as simple as that.”
It remains to be seen whether the boos will continue in the upcoming races. What is clear, however, is that Norris encountered a particularly critical audience in Mexico. One that takes a close look at issues of fairness in motorsport.