Sir Keir Starmer has found himself at the centre of a social media storm after offering his congratulations to Lando Norris following the British driver’s maiden Formula 1 World Championship triumph.
The Prime Minister took to social media to hail Norris as “Britain’s new F1 champion,” describing his season as “unbelievable” and “so well deserved.”
However, his appearance at a public event in Surrey on Monday, where he addressed McLaren staff celebrating their driver’s historic achievement, drew fierce criticism online.
Commenters accused the PM of attempting to bask in reflected glory, with one branding him “the ultimate buzz killer” for turning up at the team’s celebrations.
Speaking at the Surrey event on Monday, Starmer reflected on Norris’s emotional post-race interview, urging those gathered to share in the moment.
“It’s amazing to be here the day after Lando won yesterday,” he told the crowd.
“And I hope you’ve all got a smile on your faces because that interview with him afterwards – which I hope you’ve all seen – very emotional interview with him after he had won.”
The Prime Minister highlighted Norris’s gratitude towards his McLaren colleagues, noting the driver’s recognition that success in motorsport requires collective effort at every level of the organisation.
He encouraged staff to feel pride in their contribution to what he called “an incredible result.”
The backlash on social media was swift and unforgiving.
One critic wrote: “Yesterday McLaren workers were celebrating their driver Lando Norris winning the Formula 1 World Championship.
“Today they have to endure Keir Starmer rocking up to feed off their success and in the process, sucking the life out of their success. Lando Norris drives at 200mph. Keir Starmer speaks at 2mph.”
Another commenter quipped: “You can physically see the joy leaving their bodies. They wanted a pint and a party; instead, they got a lecture from the Regional Manager of Dullville.”
One particularly cutting remark compared Starmer to John Terry, the former Chelsea captain infamous for inserting himself into celebrations, calling the PM “a weasel of a man.”
Norris clinched his first world title at Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, arriving with a 12-point advantage over defending champion Max Verstappen.
Though Verstappen took the chequered flag, the 25-year-old Briton’s third-place finish proved sufficient to secure the championship by two points, making him the 11th British driver to claim the sport’s ultimate prize.
The McLaren star was visibly moved after crossing the line, breaking down in tears during his post-race interview.
“I’ve not cried in a while. I didn’t think I’d cry but I did. It’s a long journey,” Norris said, before thanking his parents for their unwavering support since the beginning of his racing career.
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