Personal space was certainly not respected as a social media video showed a crowd of fans surrounding Lando Norris before the Japanese Grand Prix.
Following a free weekend after the Australian Grand Prix, where Norris took his first podium in 2024 F1, the season moves to the Japanese Grand Prix, arriving at Suzuka much earlier than traditional F1.
Traveling fans flock to Lando Norris
Japan’s fan base is one of the most unique and valuable in F1, but footage published on social media of a group of fans flocking to traveling McLaren driver Norris shows that the usual respect is surprising. Lacking in form.
people need to relax pic.twitter.com/8hBsvGZXbl
— Lewis¹⁶ (@lec1erczz) April 3, 2024
Norris tried to smile through the situation, but it was alarming to see him forced to weave through fans holding phones and merchandise to get autographs in public.
This comes after Norris gave the middle finger to a fan at Melbourne’s Albert Park who had heckled him over the unwanted F1 record he set with his third-place finish.
With this result, Norris now has 14 F1 podiums without a win, equaling Nick Heidfeld’s previous record with 13.
Recommended by PlanetF1.com
F1 driver net worth in 2024: 10 richest drivers on the F1 grid
How to become an F1 driver: money, dedication, talent and more
Norris hopes to have a more comfortable experience with fans when he and McLaren take to the field at Suzuka, where the McLaren MCL38 will be outfitted in a special livery for the occasion.
“I’m excited for the Japanese Grand Prix. It’s one of my favorite tracks and it’s always fun to meet all the fans. They’re always so passionate,” said Norris.
“We will be racing in a special livery, which will be very cool.
“I’m really glad to be back at MTC.” [McLaren Technology Centre] Last week, everyone at the factory celebrated the results of the Australian Grand Prix.
“We are looking at the data from Australia and working with our engineers to prepare for the next race. It has been a good start to the season for us so far and we are looking forward to moving forward and continuing to battle against our competitors.” focusing.”
McLaren secured a comfortable third place in the 2024 F1 Constructors’ Championship and achieved a double podium at Suzuka last season, with Norris second and teammate Oscar Piastri third.
Read next: Another McLaren man admits shock exit on eve of Japanese Grand Prix
