Sergio Perez has called on Formula One fans to show respect to race winners, following instances where Lando Norris was booed on the podium in Mexico and Brazil in recent weeks.

Perez, a six-time race winner with 39 F1 podiums, is set to return next season with the Cadillac team after leaving Red Bull at the end of last year.

Norris, who leads the championship ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri, celebrated victories in the last two races, extending his lead to 24 points, but faced boos from some spectators amid cheers.

“I don’t think it’s nice to be booing the guy that won a race,” Perez told Reuters during a visit to his team’s Silverstone factory. “But at the same time, it’s good to see the passion of the fans. It’s just that it has to be done with respect. We have to respect the guy who won the race, always.”

The boos in Mexico were reportedly linked to Perez’s own fanbase, though the reasons remain unclear. Some commentators suggested lingering frustration over past comments made by Norris regarding Perez’s poor form last season while he battled Max Verstappen for the title.

In Brazil, Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, came under scrutiny after a video surfaced showing an employee making thumbs-down gestures as Norris celebrated his victory.

Racing Bulls issued a statement on Wednesday: “We are aware of the footage, and it does not reflect our team’s values or the spirit of VCARB (Visa Cash App Racing Bulls). The matter has been handled internally. We believe in celebrating great racing and showing respect to every driver, team, and fan both on and off the track.”