New Delhi, Nov 12 (NationPress) Racing Bulls have strongly criticized the behavior of one of their staff members after a video emerged showing the employee seemingly prompting spectators to boo McLaren's championship contender Lando Norris during the podium festivities at the Brazil Grand Prix.

Norris, who has increased his championship lead to 24 points following another impressive performance in Sao Paulo, was met with a chorus of boos as he celebrated his second consecutive victory, echoing a similar incident at the Mexico Grand Prix a week prior.

In widely circulated footage on social media, a member of the Racing Bulls team was seen making a thumbs-down gesture as Norris raised his winner's trophy. The team released a statement on Wednesday, distancing themselves from the incident and asserting that it did not align with their values.

“We are aware of the video from the weekend's podium,” Racing Bulls stated. “It does not represent our team's values or the spirit of VCARB. The issue has been addressed internally. We champion great racing and respect for every driver, team, and fan both on and off the track.”

This incident follows a surprising trend of boos directed at Norris, who has emerged as a leading contender in this year's championship race. While the reasons behind the jeers remain uncertain, the 25-year-old British driver has remained composed, opting to concentrate on his performance rather than the surrounding negativity.

Post-Brazil GP, Norris took to social media to share his thoughts: “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.”

The booing first emerged in Mexico, where Norris was reportedly targeted by segments of the crowd dissatisfied with perceived favoritism from McLaren towards him over his teammate and title rival, Oscar Piastri.

At that time, Norris expressed confusion over the reaction. “I don’t know why, to be honest,” he remarked. “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 it if people cheered for me. Who knows? I just concentrate on doing my thing. If they want to continue, they can.”

Norris also defended McLaren's team strategy, recalling instances when he had supported Piastri in the past. “Sure, if they want to think that, they can do whatever they want. 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.”