Liam Lawson Also Booed at Mexican GP, Fan Footage Reveals

Fan footage from the recent Mexican Grand Prix has brought to light that Lando Norris wasn't the sole target of booing from the local crowd. Liam Lawson, too, faced a hostile reception, a reaction largely attributed to his previous involvement with the Red Bull Racing seat, replacing local hero Sergio Perez for the 2025 F1 season.

Why it matters:

The passionate, and at times fervent, support for local heroes like Sergio Perez can create a challenging environment for other drivers, especially those perceived to have directly impacted a fan favorite's position. This incident highlights the intense emotional investment of F1 fans and the pressure drivers face, not just on track but also from the grandstands.

The Details:

• Norris's Boo Incident: Lando Norris, despite securing his sixth victory of the season and reclaiming the lead in the drivers' standings, was booed during post-race interviews and the podium ceremony. A local reporter suggested this stemmed from a controversial team orders call at the Italian Grand Prix in September that benefited Norris over Oscar Piastri.
• Lawson's Hostile Reception: Social media footage shows fans jeering Lawson's Racing Bulls car as it passed through the Turns 4-5-6 complex during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend. This animosity is widely linked to his history with Sergio Perez.
• Perez vs. Lawson History: Lawson had a heated on-track battle with Perez in the 2024 race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, which included a middle-finger gesture from Lawson. Perez later vacated his Red Bull seat, and Lawson was announced as his replacement for F1 2025. However, Lawson himself was later replaced by Yuki Tsunoda just two races into the current season after struggling as Verstappen's teammate.
• Eventful Weekend for Lawson: The booing capped a challenging weekend for Lawson, who retired from the race after five laps due to damage from a first-corner collision with Carlos Sainz. Post-retirement, Lawson also had a terrifying encounter with marshals on track, narrowly avoiding a major incident.
  • Sainz Collision: Lawson accused Sainz of "killing our race," estimating the damage cost him three seconds per lap. He stated that while he didn't believe it was intentional, Sainz should have had "more awareness" when cutting the chicane.
  • Marshal Incident: Lawson was heard on team radio expressing extreme shock and anger after encountering marshals deployed to recover debris, exclaiming, "Oh my God, I could have f***ing killed them!"

The Big Picture:

The Mexican Grand Prix frequently sees an outpouring of support for Sergio Perez, creating a unique atmosphere. This incident underscores how deeply fans connect with their national heroes and can react strongly to perceived slights or changes involving them. For drivers like Lawson, navigating these fan dynamics adds another layer of pressure to an already demanding sport, especially when historical on-track rivalries or team seat changes are involved.

What's next:

While fan reactions are often spontaneous, these incidents highlight the need for drivers to be mindful of local sentiments, particularly in regions with a strong national favorite. For Lawson, who has faced a tumultuous period with seat changes and on-track incidents, maintaining focus amidst external pressures will be crucial as he continues his F1 career.