27 October 2023 , 08:31
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Max Verstappen has slammed “disrespectful” fan behaviour amid growing security concerns ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix.
The Dutchman, already crowned the 2023 Formula 1 champion, heads to Mexico City fresh off the back of an uncomfortable weekend in Austin. Verstappen ran out victorious once again last weekend, only to be booed by fans once he was on the podium.
Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez on the other hand received plenty of backing in Texas, something that is sure to ramp up during his home race this weekend. That has led to Red Bull appointing two bodyguards to Verstappen during the weekend.
While he has allayed fears over any tension, he has called on fans to make sure they remain respectful. Speaking to Sky Sports, Verstappen said: “Honestly, I arrived Tuesday evening and already yesterday had a full day of marketing and it’s been great. Honestly, the reception I got was very nice and we had a great time.
“Of course, people always have questions about it but for me, I’m of course here to do my job and so far, the welcome has been amazing and it always has been amazing. Of course, it will stay like that to everyone.
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“That’s why I think they’re also trying to promote that. It’s not only something about here, I think it’s in general in the sport right now. We gained a lot of new fans over the last few years and they might respond or react a little bit different to what we had before.
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“Of course, I think it’s always good to support your favourite driver but also have respect to others in particular places. Being on the podium when the national anthem is being sung or played, I think it’s always quite disrespectful when you start chanting through these moments.
“I think it’s good that they’re raising awareness because it’s not only our sport, there’s a lot of different sports where people are trying to raise this kind of awareness.”
Verstappen heads to Mexico with a positive record in the country. He has won four out of the last five Mexican Grand Prix - teammate Perez only managed to come third behind Lewis Hamilton last term.
His Red Bull teammate is currently in the midst of a difficult run of form. He has not won a race since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the start of the season, while Perez has not finished on the podium in any of his last four outings.
There have been claims that Perez could be axed should he lose out on second place in the Championship before the end of the season. It has been suggested that Daniel Ricciardo could be drafted in as a replacement.