An unusual trend has followed Lando Norris from Mexico to the glittering Las Vegas Strip: boos directed at the Formula 1 championship leader. For two consecutive races, the 26-year-old McLaren driver has been met with jeers from sections of the crowd immediately after securing victory.
The Root of the Discontent
The phenomenon, which began at the Mexican Grand Prix and continued in Sao Paulo, appears to stem from a belief among some fans that Norris receives preferential treatment from McLaren over his Australian teammate, Oscar Piastri. Piastri, who sits just 24 points behind Norris in the standings, is seen by these fans as being on the wrong end of team orders.
This sentiment crystallised after the Italian Grand Prix in Monza earlier in September. Norris was allowed to pass Piastri following a botched pit stop, a decision that many, including this journalist, viewed as questionable. While a slow pit stop is an inherent part of racing, the team chose to override the natural order, creating a perception of favouritism that has lingered.
Norris's Composed Response and Title Outlook
Despite the vocal minority, Norris remains unfazed. Speaking in cold Nevada ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, he displayed a champion's mentality. "I see the boos as a good thing," Norris remarked. "It is like you have finally done something right. Max [Verstappen] got a lot of boos in previous years. He doesn't get any now."
He pointed out that Lewis Hamilton also faced similar reactions in the past, suggesting that being at the top naturally invites attempts to be brought down. "If I win and I get them, I couldn't care less," he stated, emphasising his focus on the immense support he receives from his fans and distancing himself from the team's strategic calls.
On the track, the championship is firmly in Norris's grasp. He can afford to finish second in all three remaining races—in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi—and still claim the title. However, this safety blanket could be torn apart by a single poor result in Sin City.
Challenges Beyond the Track
The event in Las Vegas has not been without its own dramas. Practice sessions were disrupted by a familiar foe: a loose manhole cover on the circuit, an echo of the problems that plagued the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023. Furthermore, the gruelling schedule and significant time zone changes present a serious challenge for drivers requiring inch-perfect concentration at 210 mph.
Security has also been intensified for the race, with rooms overlooking the track being regularly searched. This is a precautionary measure reflecting the memory of the deadliest mass shooting in US history, which occurred eight years ago at a nearby music festival.
Despite his commanding position, Norris is refusing to get ahead of himself. "There is no point getting excited about winning the title, or dreaming of it, because it still feels quite far away," he said, employing fair psychology even if the reality is that the flame of victory is now tantalisingly close.
