The Racing Bulls Formula 1 outfit says it has taken action after a team member appeared to encourage fans to boo Lando Norris during the Brazilian Grand Prix podium ceremony.
In a video spread on social media, a man wearing team uniform was filming the podium celebrations when he turned his phone towards the crowd as some fans began booing winner Norris, with the team member appearing to play to the crowd by gesticulating his thumb up and down. He was then quickly stopped by a colleague.
The team has now released a statement distancing itself from the incident, saying it has taken action internally against the team member in question.
«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.»
After the race in Mexico, where a subset of fans were also booing him, Norris responded: «I don’t know why, to be honest. 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.»
Addressing a question after the Sao Paulo race about how he handles public criticism in general, Norris said he had gotten better at dealing with outside noise in recent months.
«There’s always people out there that try and bring you down a little bit. I guess it’s quite normal,» he commented. «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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