Racing Bulls has issued an apology and taken internal action after one of its team members was spotted urging the São Paulo crowd to boo race winner Lando Norris during last weekend’s Formula 1 podium ceremony.
The incident, captured on a fan video and widely shared on social media, showed a uniformed team member filming the celebrations before turning his camera toward the grandstands.
As boos rang out for Norris, the individual appeared to gesture with his thumb – seemingly encouraging the reaction – before being swiftly pulled back by a colleague.
The Faenza-based squad moved quickly to distance itself from the episode, releasing a statement on Wednesday confirming the matter had been dealt with internally.
“We’re aware of the video from the weekend’s podium,” the statement read. “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.”
Lando getting booed is already bad enough, but seeing a staff member from another team join in and do a thumbs down? That’s just unprofessional. @McLarenF1 @visacashapprb pic.twitter.com/OPCjxSfYLw
— Lando Norris Fans (@Norrislandofans) November 11, 2025
The team did not disclose the nature of the disciplinary action taken but emphasized that the conduct did not align with its ethos of sportsmanship and mutual respect.
Norris Unbothered by Commotion
Norris, ever the unflappable Brit with a championship chase on his shoulders, has been dodging these deranged boos like stray gravel.
It wasn't his first rodeo – the Mexico GP crowd pulled the same petty stunt just weeks prior, and Norris shrugged it off with the grace of a someone who's too busy winning to wallow.
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“I don't know why, to be honest,” he said when queried on the raucous behaviour. “People can do what they want, honestly. They have the right to do it if they want to do it. I think that's sport sometimes.
“Of course, you don't want it. I prefer if people cheer for me. But I don't know, I just concentrate on doing my things."
While the McLaren driver appeared unbothered, the incident has reignited the debate around fan behavior and the role of teams in setting an example for professionalism and respect – particularly in front of global audiences.
For Racing Bulls, the swift apology and internal action mark a clear attempt to contain a moment that briefly cast a shadow over what had otherwise been one of the most electrifying races of the season.
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