U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz was booed at the Formula One race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin on Sunday, according to video from the event and eyewitness accounts. Cruz was presenting the first-place trophy to Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli when the boos began. They turned to cheers after he handed over the trophy. Eyewitnesses also said on social media that he was booed when he was announced as a dignitary.
During the live broadcast on Sky Sports, F1 commentator David "Crofty" Croft said, "Midterms are coming up; people are already voting with their voice." Cruz is not on the midterm ballot and has not confirmed plans to run for president again. Political observers said he appears to be campaigning for the office.
In a post on X, Cruz did not mention the boos. He said he spent the day at the race with his daughter Caroline and congratulated Antonelli. Cruz was also booed during an ESPN College GameDay interview before the Sept. 12 Texas Longhorns game against Ohio State, where he promoted the Protect College Sports Act. The Senate has passed that bill, which awaits final House approval. Critics say it caps how much student athletes can earn and prevents them from unionizing or collective bargaining, among other concerns.