Texas Sen. Ted Cruz was greeted with a chorus of boos and angry disapproval at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin on Sunday, as the Republican politician took the podium to present trophies to the race’s top three finishers.
The reaction was captured in broadcast footage from the Circuit of The Americas, where Cruz presented the winner’s trophy to Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 20, who claimed victory on October 25.
Cruz also handed trophies to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. While the senator faced audible disapproval as he approached the podium, the atmosphere changed when Antonelli lifted his trophy, prompting cheers and applause for the Italian driver.
“Midterms are coming up. People are already voting with their voice,” Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft remarked as the boos rang out. Cruz later described the event as an “incredible day” in a social media post, congratulating Antonelli on his win and saying it was an honor to present the trophy. He also mentioned attending the race with his daughter Caroline.
The senator is not on the ballot in November’s midterm elections, but he has endorsed Republican Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race against Democrat James Talarico. Cruz previously criticized Talarico as a potential left-wing senator in remarks on his podcast.
Not The First Boo
The reception also follows another public incident in September, when Cruz was loudly booed during an appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay while discussing his proposed Protect College Sports Act. Online, the reaction to the F1 footage was similarly blunt. One Reddit commenter wrote, “I booed very loudly!!! the booing was so loud, I almost accidentally cheered.”
Another user responded to the clip with, “Hopefully it’s happening. Blue wave,” echoing hopes for Democratic gains in the upcoming midterms. Others questioned why a politician was involved in the sporting ceremony. “Why are politicians inserting themselves in sporting events?” one commenter asked.
Another wrote, “Dont just boo but vote!” while a separate commenter urged Texans to participate in the election. The boos do not necessarily represent the views of every spectator at the race, but the footage has added to the online discussion surrounding Cruz’s public appearances.
Although Cruz won reelection in 2024 with approximately 53.1 percent of the statewide vote, Democratic nominee Colin Allred carried Travis County, which includes Austin, with 70.37 percent of the vote compared with Cruz’s 27.19 percent. The November 3 midterms will determine control of Congress, making the election an important political test for both parties as President Donald Trump’s administration approaches the second half of its term.
