Schumacher debunks 'absurd' McLaren theory amid Norris being booed

Ralf Schumacher says the reason a Mexican journalist gave for Lando Norris being booed makes no sense.

After his victory in Mexico City, the local fans booed the McLaren driver while cheering for Max Verstappen.

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During the FIA press conference, a local journalist explained that, according to their poll, Norris received this reaction because he was handed the title by McLaren, citing the team orders in Monza as an example.

Ralf Schumacher was firm in his verdict about the situation on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast.

He said: "That theory is really complete bulls***, sorry. Absurd. Lando then explained it very well himself.

"There's more going on here and I would almost say it amounts to bullying behaviour. I find it incredible what is being spread around in the media right now. So much nonsense is being circulated."

The former Formula 1 driver is certain, McLaren CEO Zak Brown does not favour either Norris or Oscar Piastri.

“I want to say one thing about this and I heard it from a reliable source: Zak Brown doesn’t favour anyone, he doesn’t care. As long as one of his drivers wins the world title, the name doesn't matter. He’s a businessman. As nice as he may be, he is tough.”

Norris waving to the crowd after the Mexico City GP - Photo: Race Pictures

Norris brushes off the crowd's reaction

After the session, the McLaren driver explained he was not bothered by getting booed.

He commented: "They have the right to do it if they want to do it. So I think that's the sport sometimes.

"I don't know why I can't stop laughing when I get booed. I think it makes it more entertaining for me. So yes, they can keep doing it if they want. Of course, you don't want it. I prefer to have people cheer for me."

Thanks to his victory, Norris now leads the F1 drivers' standings. Piastri trails his teammate by a single point, while Max Verstappen is 36 points behind.

The season continues next at Interlagos, where a total of 33 points will be up for grabs for the championship contenders.

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