Scott McLaughlin has rubbished antagonism following his dominant start to the 2019 season.
The Shell V-Power Racing star is cantering towards a successful title defence, and pushed his case further with a flawless weekend in Darwin.
However, the new-for-2019 Ford Mustang has been probed at every turn, right from the first event of the year in Adelaide.
The New Zealander has 12 of the season's 16 race wins to his name and 11 pole positions, and will carry a 319-point lead over teammate Fabian Coulthard into the next event in Townsville.
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As the criticism keeps rolling in, all he and his team can do is keep performing, which can only be the best way to block the outside noise.
Speaking after his dominant win on Sunday, McLaughlin admitted he has become accustomed to the "tall poppy" criticism being flung his way as the Mustang continues to lead the field in 2019, despite the raging parity debate.
The reigning series champion also admitted that the criticism from fans also proves how much passion there is in the sport, which he suggested was a major positive.
"I've got so used to it now," McLaughlin told reporters.
"Whatever you do, there’s always going to be someone kicking you down. It’s the tall poppy thing.
"You've just got to push on as a team, work hard with what you've got. There’s always going to be negative somewhere.
"That’s what builds the passion in the sport. That’s why it’s great that the Holden fans might boo me or boo our team, because that means we've got good support from the whole series.
"And one day, those Holden guys will come back, and it’ll be awesome. Whether you’re getting cheered or booed, it’s a good thing because the sport’s popular."
Much of the criticism is thrown via fans on social media, where most drivers keep a very active profile.
McLaughlin has never strayed from discussions, has backed his team to the hilt, and on Sunday reiterated how important fan engagement is in the sport.
The 26-year-old added how seven-time champion Jamie Whincup has copped similar vitriol over the years, and it's something he has gotten used to.
"There’s a bit on social media," McLaughlin said.
"There’s the Holden fans... I’ve seen bits and pieces, but nothing crazy.
"Obviously the team is copping a fair spray thinking we have an advantage or whatever. People don’t believe that we can be good as a squad.
"... little things on the driver parade, people yelling out like bits and pieces... like I said, it’s passion, and we need it in our sport.
"It’s there. I mean, J-Dub's has had it for 10 or so years, and all he’s done is just been the best in the business."
