Norris Addresses Monza Booing, Verstappen Hails 'Best Podium' in F1

Norris Addresses Monza Booing, Verstappen Hails 'Best Podium' in F1

• Why it matters: The Italian Grand Prix at Monza once again highlighted the passionate, and sometimes polarizing, nature of F1 fans. Lando Norris received boos while Max Verstappen celebrated what he called the "best podium" of the season.

• The details:

  • During the podium ceremony, Lando Norris, who finished P2, was met with boos from some sections of the Monza crowd.
  • Speaking to GPblog, Norris acknowledged the boos but stated, "I heard the cheers louder than the boos and that's the most important." He expressed not knowing the reason for the negative reception.
  • Max Verstappen, by contrast, was serenaded with his tribute song, marking a stark difference in fan reaction.

• Verstappen's take:

  • Verstappen described the Monza podium as "probably the best... in terms of what you see and just how big the crowd is."
  • He recognized that most fans supported Ferrari but praised their "joyful" and "good time" atmosphere, which he enjoyed being part of. This sentiment echoed his positive experience at Imola earlier in the year.

• A common occurrence: Booing F1 drivers is not new. Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg, and Verstappen himself have all faced similar reactions from crowds in the past, often due to rivalries or specific race incidents. The Monza crowd has a history of passionate, sometimes hostile, responses to non-Ferrari drivers.