The Brit dominated the race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, holding the lead from pole position and disappearing into the distance.
It was practically the perfect weekend for Norris, with Max Verstappen taking third, and team-mate Oscar Piastri only gaining two places to finish fifth, confirming a one-point lead for Norris going into the Brazilian Grand Prix.
But it wasn’t received with total positivty, as Norris, like he was after qualifying on Saturday, was loudly booed by many within the stadium complex of the circuit during the parc ferme interviews after that race.
Speaking to F1TV host James Hinchcliffe, Norris was relieved to have taken victory at a canter, having fended off the challenge of Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen in the run to Turn 1.
“What a race,” he said. “I could just keep my eyes forward and focus on what I was doing. A pretty straightforward race for me, which is just what I was after.
“So, good start, good launch, good first lap, and I could go from there.”
When asked how he was able to navigate his way into Turn 1 with a chaotic pack behind him [Verstappen and Leclerc both took to the grass, the latter forced to concede first back to Norris], Norris said it was all about getting a good start off the line.
“Just stay relaxed. Yeah, just get a good launch. That was the best thing,” he explained.
When put to him that he now has the momentum in the title hunt going into the next race in Brazil, the boos aimed at Norris reached a crescendo, triggering nothing but a rye smile from the McLaren driver.
“I mean, it’s one weekend at a time. It’s one weekend at a time. So, you know, I’m happy. I’m focused on myself.”
And, in reference to the boos, Norris added: “I keep my head down. I ignore all of this. And, yeah, I keep to myself. And it’s working at the minute, so I’m happy. All right, keep doing what you’re doing.”
