Lando Norris was given another surprisingly hostile reception after his victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday when a smattering of F1 fans booed the McLaren star.
Starting on pole, Norris maintained his composure despite the lead changing hands and in the end eased to a 10-second victory over second-placed Kimi Antonelli, with title rival Max Verstappen rounding out the podium.
Norris now has a 24-point lead in the F1 world championship over Oscar Piastri - who finished fifth in Sao Paulo - with three races remaining.
Seemingly aware of the naysayers, when asked after the race how he had turned his form around, Norris replied: “Just ignore everyone who talks crap about you!
“Focus on yourself, I’m pushing hard away from the track. It doesn’t come easy for sure - happy to come out with the win.”
At the last race in Mexico, after jeers on the podium, a local journalist suggested that F1 fans sympathise with Piastri and resent what they feel has been preferential treatment towards Norris, notably when McLaren ordered the Australian to step aside in Monza after a slow stop for his rival.
But when asked about the boos, Norris replied in Mexico: “I don’t know why, to be honest. People can do what they want honestly, that is sport sometimes, I can’t stop laughing when I get booed.
“You don’t want it, I’d prefer if people cheer for me. Who knows? I just concentrate on doing my thing. If they want to continue they can.
“Sure, if they want to think that they can do whatever they want. For us as a team we tried to do things fairly. Same with last year in Budapest – I let Oscar win the race he deserved to win.
“If they want to have the three points back, they can. Oscar deserved the win in Budapest, I deserved the win in Monza.”
There was confusion surrounding the emotions swirling around the Mexico paddock and the reputation of Norris, with Sky F1 pundit Jamie Chadwick, a three-time W Series champion, left irate at the reaction, stating two weeks ago: “I hate it, I hate booing for anyone. That needs to be applauded, not booed.”
While former F1 driver Karun Chandhok concurred, admitting he “hates” booing at races.
The rationale was not obvious, either, with 1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve adding: “He's not even fighting [Sergio] Perez, unless there's a lot of Piastri fans in the grandstand.”
Norris was magnanimous, though, hitting back: “I love it! What a race - I just keep my eyes forward and focused on what I was doing. A pretty straightforward race for me, good launch and could go from there.
“This is awesome here. First win here in Mexico. A big thanks to all the fans. It’s one weekend at a time. I’m happy, focused on myself, keep my head down, it’s working at the minute.”
F1 standings after Brazil GP as Lando Norris extends lead to Oscar Piastri
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F1 Brazil GP live: Norris extends title lead with victory as Verstappen claims podium
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F1 standings after Brazil GP as Lando Norris extends lead to Oscar Piastri
F1 Brazil GP live: Standings and results as Norris extends title lead
