On Sunday, Lando Norris convincingly claimed the Mexico City Grand Prix. Starting from pole position, the Briton drove unchallenged to victory. However, this did not sit well with everyone. During the post-race interviews and even during the podium ceremony, he was booed by Mexican fans. This resulted in somewhat uncomfortable scenes, but Norris himself remained unfazed by the jeering.
Triumphantly, Lando Norris stepped out of his McLaren on Sunday. During the Mexican GP, the 25-year-old Brit was clearly unmatched; he secured his tenth Grand Prix victory with a lead of over thirty seconds. Moreover, he regained the lead in the standings with his first-place finish – his teammate Oscar Piastri was surpassed by one point. Yet, after this victory, he was treated to a painful chorus of boos – the cheering Mexican fans drowned out the traditional post-race interviews.
Norris himself remained unfazed by the booing. In the quiet of the FIA press conference, he explained that he could only laugh it off. “That’s how sport sometimes works,” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “I can’t really stop laughing when I get booed. I think that actually makes it more fun. Of course, I’d prefer them to cheer for me,” he added. “I can’t really explain the booing, but it’s fine if they continue with it.”
Norris Accused of Receiving Favoritism?
A Mexican journalist suggested that local fans believe Norris is being handed the title by McLaren. The team, often referred to as ‘the papayas’, was previously accused this season of favoring the British driver. Norris responded that his team always approaches the championship fairly and that he does not receive preferential treatment. “It’s fine if they want to think that,” he said, slightly taken aback. “That’s their right. But know that we as a team try to play as fairly as possible.”
He also referred to previous team orders from McLaren, including the infamous command in Monza, where Oscar Piastri had to let Norris pass after a slow pit stop by the Brit. “Last year, I also let Oscar pass in Hungary,” he defended himself. “And that was completely justified. In this case, it was also right that I was allowed to pass in Italy.”
