Max Verstappen has beefed up his personal security as he prepares for a hostile reception at Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez’s home race in Mexico.
Verstappen was jeered by Perez’s supporters at last weekend’s podium presentation in Austin as the triple world champion celebrated his 15th win of the season.
Chants of “Checo, Checo” – in support of Perez – were also audible during the Dutch national anthem.
?️ "I can’t wait for my home race. The support in Austin was crazy, so I can’t even imagine what Mexico will be like, it’s going to be very special."#MexicoGP || @SChecoPerez ?? pic.twitter.com/JVE0e5rBHg
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) October 26, 2023
A crowd of nearly 400,000 are expected at the high-altitude Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez over the course of the weekend, with practice starting on Friday.
Perez’s fans are unhappy Verstappen did not help the Mexican secure second place in last season’s championship after he ignored a team order at the penultimate round in Brazil.
Perez has won only twice this season – his last victory in Azerbaijan on April 30th – with Verstappen racing to his third title in as many years.
Checo grabs a podium in Mexico ?
Including one proud papa and a wild home crowd! ??#MexicoGP #F1 @SChecoPerez pic.twitter.com/nXPfTPSfeK
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 26, 2023
The paddock in Mexico City has become one of the most manic on the calendar, with drivers mobbed as they make their way from the motorhome to the garage.
Perez is also expected to have a bigger entourage than normal to cover off his enthusiastic fanbase.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and the team’s motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko will also be accompanied by security guards.
Speaking after last weekend’s race in Austin, Horner said: “I don’t think Max is going to get the warmest reception in Mexico, but that is water off a duck’s back to him.
“One year you are the villain and the next year you are the hero.”
Perez heads into this weekend’s round 206 points behind Verstappen. However, he is 39 points clear of third-placed Lewis Hamilton, who was disqualified from second at the Circuit of the Americas for running an illegal floor on his Mercedes.
By Philip Duncan, PA F1 Correspondent, Mexico City
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