But it is a nonsense argument, and underpinned by conspiracy theories about secret favouritism at McLaren, which is perhaps why Norris appeared a little taken aback by the reaction, and was speechless for a good five seconds, before insisting he will “keep my head down, I ignore all of this and I keep to myself”.

McLaren star Lando Norris took the lead in the F1 championship table after his dominant win in the Mexico Grand Prix.

Norris reclaimed the championship lead and crowned his upward trend with a commanding victory in Mexico – silencing his critics in the most emphatic way possible