Norris Not Alone: Liam Lawson Also Booed by Mexican GP Fans

Lando Norris faced significant booing from Mexican fans at last Sunday's Grand Prix, but newly surfaced footage reveals he wasn't the only target. Liam Lawson also received boos from the crowd, adding another layer to the heated fan reactions at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

Why it matters:

The intense reactions from the Mexican crowd towards drivers like Norris and Lawson highlight the passionate, and at times controversial, atmosphere of Formula 1 events. While Norris's boos sparked widespread debate, the additional footage suggests a broader pattern of fan expression, not solely directed at one driver.

The Details:

• Norris's Experience: Lando Norris was booed repeatedly, both after securing pole position on Saturday and during the post-race interviews inside the stadium. He reportedly took the reaction in good humor, brushing off the controversy.
• Lawson Joins In: A fan-recorded video from the grandstands shows Liam Lawson also being booed by some fans at Turn 4. This is the same corner where Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen had their notable battle, which also drew considerable post-race discussion.
• Dangerous Near-Miss: Lawson was involved in another controversial moment at Turn 1 when he narrowly avoided hitting two marshals who had entered the track to clear debris. He voiced his disbelief and concern over the radio, calling the situation "dangerous" and "unacceptable."
• FIA Concern: The incident with the marshals prompted concerns within the FIA, which publicly addressed the matter and assured that it would be discussed with the teams to prevent future occurrences.

Between the lines:

The booing incidents, particularly when extending beyond a single high-profile driver, could indicate heightened fan engagement and differing allegiances within the F1 fanbase, or perhaps a reaction to specific on-track events. The dangerous marshal incident, however, points to critical safety protocols needing review, transcending fan sentiment to a fundamental operational concern for the sport's governing body.

What's next:

The discussions initiated by the FIA regarding track safety and marshal protocols are crucial and are expected to lead to reinforced guidelines to ensure the safety of all personnel. While fan reactions remain an unpredictable element of live sports, the broader implications of these incidents may prompt further reflections on crowd management and driver-fan interactions in Formula 1.