Norris faces backlash after mocking video about F1 rival Stroll emerges – Lando Norris has faced criticism on social media after a video appeared to show the McLaren driver making a sarcastic remark about Aston Martin rival Lance Stroll during a night out following the Singapore Grand Prix.
While some fans accused the reigning world champion of disrespectful behaviour, others dismissed the controversy as an overreaction.
Norris caught on camera during Singapore celebration
The controversy emerged after the Singapore Grand Prix, where Norris finished fourth at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, approximately 40 seconds behind third-placed Kimi Antonelli.
Following the race, Norris took time to relax and was spotted celebrating with fellow Formula 1 driver Oliver Bearman.
During the evening, a bar employee reportedly held up a digital sign reading “For the best driver.” Norris then appeared to shout, “Where is Lance?” in footage that subsequently circulated online.
The remark was widely interpreted as a sarcastic reference to Lance Stroll, who was listed 21st in the drivers’ championship standings at the time of the incident.
Although the footage prompted criticism, it does not establish the wider context of the exchange or Norris’s precise intentions.
Formula 1 fans divided over Norris remark
The video sparked contrasting reactions among Formula 1 fans on X, with some arguing that Norris should demonstrate greater responsibility as a world champion.
One user, @AnaRij60791, criticised the tone of the remark, writing: “Sorry, but this ‘mean girl’ energy isn’t funny at all. He is world champion now, so he is expected to lead by example. This isn’t it.”
Another user, @MV3daily, questioned whether Norris had considered the impact of his recent comments.
“Has he learned nothing over the past few days by saying things like ‘Some people don’t deserve to be in F1’ and mocking a reporter? That doesn’t come across well at all.”
The same user added: “Lance might not be the best driver on the grid, but at least show some decency.”
However, other fans saw little reason for outrage.
User @chenlando dismissed the reaction, commenting: “Surely people can’t be really angry about this… this app isn’t real.”
Another supporter, @annegelicuh, took a more light-hearted view of the footage, writing: “Okay Lando, you’re pretty funny! I’ll give you that!”
The contrasting responses highlight how quickly informal moments involving high-profile Formula 1 drivers can become subjects of wider debate, particularly when questions of sportsmanship and public image are involved.
Norris admits McLaren could not challenge for more in Singapore
Away from the social media controversy, Norris offered a measured assessment of McLaren’s performance after finishing fourth in Singapore.
“I can look at it two ways,” he said. “First of all, it is not a bad result for us.”
The Briton believed fourth place represented the maximum realistically available to the team, although he acknowledged that he could have challenged more effectively for the final podium position.
“I think a fourth place was the best our team could achieve,” Norris explained.
“I could have put up a better fight for third place,” he admitted.
Reflecting on the battle with Lewis Hamilton and Antonelli, Norris added that he could have defended his position more effectively and positioned his car better without running off the circuit and allowing Antonelli through.
“Otherwise, a fourth place is the best we could achieve today. I am happy that we did that, but we want more than what we had today.”
Norris warns Red Bull has become the team to beat
Norris also pointed to Red Bull’s recent progress as a growing concern for McLaren, suggesting that the team’s competitive position had slipped relative to its rivals.
“They have clearly improved the car a lot over the past few weeks,” he said of Red Bull.
“We have just dropped to the back of the top four. We are the fourth fastest team, which means that if we finished fourth today, we still did a good job and, let’s say, outperformed in terms of car results.”
Despite recognising the limitations of McLaren’s current package, Norris made clear that he was not satisfied with another finish outside the podium positions.
“I am not happy with fourth place,” he emphasised. “I want a podium and we want to fight for wins.”
The McLaren driver concluded by stressing the importance of continued development as the team looks to close the gap to its competitors.
“We must keep trying to improve and keep bringing upgrades to make the car better,” Norris said.
Whether the video has any lasting impact on Norris’s public image remains to be seen. For now, the incident has divided fans, while McLaren’s on-track competitiveness remains the more substantial challenge facing the world champion.
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Clara Marlowe is a Formula 1 writer at TJ13 with over 15 years of experience in motorsport journalism, having contributed features to established sports magazines such as Evo, MCN, Wisden Cricket Monthly and other digital outlets.
Clara specialises in human-interest storytelling, focusing on the individuals behind the sport, including drivers, engineers, and team personnel whose roles are often overlooked in mainstream coverage.
At TJ13, Clara contributes long-form features and narrative-driven pieces that explore the personal and professional journeys within Formula 1. This includes coverage of career-defining moments, internal team dynamics, and the human impact of high-pressure competition.
Clara’s work brings depth and perspective to the sport, complementing news and analysis with stories that highlight the people behind the machinery.
Clara has a particular interest in how personal narratives intersect with performance, and how individual experiences shape outcomes across a Formula 1 season.
