Sports · Motorsport · 4 hrs ago
Ted Cruz booed while presenting Kimi Antonelli with US Grand Prix trophy
At the US Grand Prix in Austin, fans loudly booed Texas Senator Ted Cruz as he presented the winner’s trophy.
Cruz, a Republican and supporter of President Donald Trump, was taking part in the post-race ceremony at the Circuit of the Americas.
The crowd’s reaction continued until he handed the trophy to Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, the race winner.
Antonelli started from pole position and controlled the race, earning his ninth win of the 2026 season.
The boos drew attention because they showed strong public opposition to Cruz in his home state, and were noted by a commentator during the broadcast.
Antonelli is now close to becoming Formula 1’s youngest world champion, and he can secure the title at the Mexican Grand Prix with a ninth-place finish, regardless of his rivals’ results.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz was loudly booed as he presented the United States Grand Prix winner’s trophy in Austin.
The ceremony took place at the Circuit of the Americas after Kimi Antonelli won the race for Mercedes.
Spectators cheered Antonelli as he lifted the trophy, after the boos continued while Cruz handed it to him.
Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft referred to the upcoming US midterm elections during the broadcast.
Cruz later congratulated Antonelli on social media and said it had been an honour to present the trophy.
- Who
- Texas Senator Ted Cruz presented the trophy to Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
- What
- Cruz was loudly booed during the United States Grand Prix podium ceremony.
- When
- After the United States Grand Prix on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
- Where
- Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
- Why
- The sources report the crowd’s reaction but do not establish why fans booed Cruz.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Kimi Antonelli won the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Cruz was booed as he presented the winner’s trophy, and spectators cheered Antonelli as he lifted it.
Cruz congratulated Antonelli on social media and described the day as incredible.
- Location
- Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas
- Winner
- Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
- Trophy presenter
- Ted Cruz, US senator for Texas
- Race
- 2026 United States Grand Prix
- Next race mentioned
- Mexico City Grand Prix
4 sources
Donald Trump ally humiliated as F1 fans erupt in boos at US Grand Prix
Embarrassing moment Ted Cruz is loudly booed by thousands of fans as he presents F1 winners' trophy in Texas
Donald Trump ally Ted Cruz brutally booed on F1 podium after US Grand Prix
Sophie Cunningham, Ted Cruz draw backlash at Austin Formula One race
What people are saying
Midterms are coming up. People are already voting with their voice,
Midterms are coming up, people are already voting with their voice,
The eyes of the racing world were on Texas. Congrats to Kimi Antonelli on a huge win. It was an honour to present the championship trophy.
Posts on X
Embarrassing. Republican senator and Trump supporter @tedcruz brutally booed by the Austin crowd on the F1 podium. 🇺🇸 #COTA
Incredible day at the Austin Grand Prix with Caroline. Perfect Dad-daughter afternoon. The eyes of the racing world were on Texas. Congrats to Kimi Antonelli on a huge win. It was an honor to present the championship trophy.