Max Verstappen called for change and “rude” attacks on Sergio Perez’s fans.
Max Verstappen received a hostile reception from some Sergio Perez fans ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen has called on fans to show drivers more respect after a group of fans booed Sergio Perez during last weekend’s United States Grand Prix podium ceremony.
The reigning world champion claimed his 15th win of the season in Texas, holding off a late threat from Mercedes star and long-time rival Lewis Hamilton before being eliminated after the British session.
When Verstappen took to the podium to celebrate his well-deserved win at the Circuit of the Americas, he was met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd cheering on his Your Red Bull team-mate.
Some saw it as a jab at Texas governor Greg Abbott, but Verstappen was clearly unimpressed and the hostility could resurface if he wins on Sunday or returns to the podium in Mexico.
Ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, Verstappen told Sky Sports F1: “I’m here to do my job and the response I’ve had so far has been great, it’s always been great and I hope it continues.” Business”.
“But that’s how [the message] gets to everyone… So I think we’re trying to promote it because it’s not just here. I think all sports are like that these days.
You’ve gained a lot of new fans over the past few years, and their reactions may be a little different than before.
“Of course I think it’s good to support your favorite drivers, but you have to respect others as well. In some places, it is considered very rude to get on stage and start singing right when the national anthem is being played or played.
“So I think it’s good for F1 to raise awareness.
Because people are trying to bring awareness to this, not only in our sport, but in many other sports as well.
“Everybody knows.”
When asked if he thought most of the nervousness in Texas was not for him, Verstappen said: “I don’t think so…
it could go either way.
“But it does not matter.
It doesn’t matter if it was sent to me or someone else, the governor.
“Overall, I think it’s [good] to make all types of drivers aware.”
