Racing Bulls has addressed an incident involving a team member who appeared to encourage fans to boo Lando Norris at the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
A video circulating on social media showed a person wearing Racing Bulls team gear filming the podium celebrations.
When sections of the crowd began booing race winner Norris, the individual turned the camera toward the fans and gave them a thumbs-down gesture. A colleague quickly intervened.
In response, Racing Bulls issued a statement distancing itself from the behaviour.
“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.”
Norris has faced similar reactions in recent weeks, including at the previous race in Mexico.
“I don’t know why, to be honest,” he addressed at the time. “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.”
Asked in Brazil how he deals with public criticism, Norris said he has learned to manage negativity better.
“There’s always people out there that try and bring you down a little bit. I guess it’s quite normal,” he said.
“When you’re on a big stage, there’s a lot of people that talk and say things, try and influence other people to have effects. Even the cheers and the not-cheers – you still hear it.
“It’s not the nicest thing. But I think it’s something I’ve done well over the last few months.
“I think I cared too much, and probably it was affecting me in not the best ways. I’ve just learned to deal with those things better.”
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