The McLaren driver delivered a flawless performance at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, converting his pole position into a victory with a commanding 30-second margin over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

As Norris stepped onto the podium and during post-race interviews, a sizable segment of Mexican fans voiced their displeasure, a reaction Norris later described as “entertaining,” insisting he simply laughs it off and stays focused on racing.

Norris explained, “That’s sport sometimes. I don’t know why, I just can’t stop laughing when I get booed. I think it makes it more entertaining for me.”​

Championship Lead Creates Tension

The win vaulted Norris into first in the championship standings by just one point over teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished fifth in Mexico after struggling to overtake Haas’s Oliver Bearman in the closing laps.

The tension between Norris and Piastri has simmered throughout the season, with some fans, especially in Mexico, believing McLaren has shown favoritism towards the British driver, including controversial team orders at the Italian Grand Prix. These whispers contributed to the cool reception, as McLaren’s intra-team title battle reaches new heights.​​

Rivals and Analysts Urge Respect

Despite the crowd’s reaction, many in the paddock, from F1 analysts to rivals like Max Verstappen, view Norris’s weekend as deserving of applause, highlighting both his composure and clinical race management.

Charles Leclerc praised Norris’s form, while others acknowledged that the competitive closeness of the championship is magnifying every rivalry and decision.

With four races and a sprint left, the fight for the Formula 1 crown looks set to intensify both on and off the track as Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen stay locked in the tightest of battles.​

Norris has proven he can handle the pressure and the boos, focusing on results as McLaren’s internal drama and fan passion fuel one of the most thrilling F1 seasons in recent memory.