F1 News: Sergio Perez Calls Out Mexican Fans Over Hostile Reception Of Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen is expected to receive an unwelcome and hostile reception this weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez as a result of his victorious season, thus prompting Mexican driver and teammate Sergio Perez to urge the fans to behave and send out the best message to the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Max Verstappen is expected to face hostility from Mexican fans at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez due to his successful season, leading teammate Sergio Perez to call for fan behavior that sets a positive example for the world.
- Mexican fans were urged to avoid crossing the line during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend to end hostility and uphold the image of the sport.
- Recent reports of friction between Verstappen and Perez, along with concerns for Verstappen's safety, have arisen, but Perez emphasized the importance of keeping rivalry on the track and sending a positive message to the world.
Mexican fans were asked to ensure nothing spills over the line during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. By doing so, they would set the right example for the world to end the hostility, at least for the sake of the sport.
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As a result of having an upper edge over Perez the entire season, Verstappen received booing from Mexican fans in Austin as he stepped onto the stage after the United States Grand Prix. Red Bull expects Verstappen to be met with similar hostility from fans in Mexico.
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In the past few months, there have been reports of a considerable amount of friction between the two F1 drivers, especially since last year's race in Brazil when Verstappen refused to accept a team order when Red Bull intended to help Perez finish second in the Drivers' Championship.
Just recently, Perez also revealed he was having a hard time being Verstappen's teammate given the huge performance difference between the two Red Bull drivers. Despite there being no evidence of a direct threat, the Milton Keynes outfit, as a precaution, will deploy bodyguards around Verstappen in Mexico to ensure his safety.
When asked by RacingNews365 if he thinks the rivalry could spill beyond the track, Perez replied:
"No, not at all.
"I think it's important that we give this message because I think the media likes to create this sort of rivalry outside the track.
"We are a great sport, we are a great example for a lot of younger generations. We should just be focused on the sporting side.
"Whatever happens on track should always stay there and that's the best message we as a country want to give to the rest of the world.
"There is nothing else going on. The most important is that everything [that happens] stays on track."
