Racing Bulls Apologize After Team Member’s Thumbs-Down Gesture At Lando Norris’ Trophy Celebration

Racing Bulls Apologize After Team Member’s Thumbs-Down Gesture At Lando Norris’ Trophy Celebration

The Racing Bulls Formula 1 team has issued an apology after a video surfaced on social media showing one of its team members making a thumbs-down gesture during Lando Norris’ trophy celebration at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

In the clip, the employee—dressed in Racing Bulls uniform and recording the podium moment—turns to the crowd and repeatedly gives a thumbs-down to fans cheering below. Another team member can be seen attempting to stop the gesture, pulling the person’s arm down and gesturing for them to stop.

Following backlash online, Racing Bulls swiftly released a statement clarifying that the incident did not reflect the team’s values or sportsmanship.

“We believe in celebrating great racing and showing respect to every driver, team, and fan both on and off the track,” the team said. “The matter has been handled internally.”

The Sao Paulo Grand Prix ended with McLaren’s Lando Norris taking victory, extending his lead over teammate Oscar Piastri by 24 points in the drivers’ championship. Meanwhile, Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar finished seventh and eighth respectively, helping the team hold sixth position in the constructors’ standings.

This incident highlights the importance of professionalism and respect in global motorsport. While competition can get intense, Formula 1 teams are expected to maintain a standard of conduct that reflects the spirit of the sport.

For Racing Bulls, the apology marks a step toward reaffirming their commitment to integrity and fair play—values that every racing fan appreciates.