Racing Bulls Condemns Team Member’s Actions After Norris Booing Incident
The Visa Cash App RB (Racing Bulls) Formula 1 team has been drawn into a post-race controversy, issuing a formal statement after a video emerged showing one of its team members appearing to encourage fans who were booing race-winner Lando Norris during the São Paulo Grand Prix podium ceremony.
The Podium Incident
While Lando Norris was celebrating his dominant weekend victory on the iconic Interlagos podium, a chorus of boos could be heard from sections of the crowd. While booing is an unfortunate but recurring issue in the sport, the situation escalated when a video began circulating on social media shortly after the ceremony.
The footage, filmed from the grandstand, showed an individual standing at the base of the podium, clearly identifiable in Racing Bulls team attire. The man was seen filming the crowd with his phone while making repeated « thumbs-down » gestures, seemingly joining in with or encouraging the negative fan reaction. A female colleague standing next to him was seen to immediately intervene, seemingly trying to stop his actions.
Backlash and Official Clarification
The video was shared widely by fans, who expressed disappointment and anger at a team member actively participating in unsportsmanlike conduct directed at a rival driver. The backlash prompted Racing Bulls to swiftly address the incident publicly.
In a statement, the team distanced itself from the behavior and confirmed the matter was being handled.
« We have become aware of the podium video from this weekend, » the VCARB communiqué stated. « It does not reflect our team’s values or the spirit of VCARB. The matter has been dealt with internally. We believe in a respectful celebration of motorsport, as well as respect for every driver, team, and fan, on and off the track. »
Norris on Handling the « Noise »
Lando Norris, who also faced boos after his win in Mexico, has recently spoken about how he handles such negativity from the crowd. The McLaren driver explained that he has learned to filter out the « outside noise » from those who « try to bring you down. »
« It’s not pleasant, obviously, » Norris commented after the race in São Paulo, discussing the public criticism. « But I think I’ve managed it well in recent months. I used to care too much about this kind of thing, and it affected me negatively. I’ve simply learned to cope with it all better. »
The incident serves as a firm reminder that the conduct of team personnel is held to as high a standard as that of the drivers, with Racing Bulls moving quickly to manage the fallout and re-emphasize its commitment to respect within the sport.
Sources
- Motorsport.com France. « Racing Bulls contrainte de réagir après les sifflets envers Norris. » (Nov. 12, 2025). https://fr.motorsport.com/f1/news/racing-bulls-reprend-membre-equipe-apres-huees-norris-bresil/10776229/