Red Bull says it has hired a security detail to ensure the protection of Max Verstappen at this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix.
Red Bull has not mentioned any specific threats that may have been directed at Verstappen, but the three-time world champion was heavily booed last weekend at the US Grand Prix as he celebrated his 50th career win in F1.
It is believed that the jeering originated from a group of Mexican fans supporting Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez.
At times, the two drivers’ relationship has been fractious, like last year in Brazil when Verstappen ignored an order by the Red Bull pitwall to hand back a position to Perez on the final lap of the race.
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Both drivers have repeatedly said that their working relationship is fine, but Perez’s fans feel that the Mexican has not been given the level of support that he deserves during his challenging 2023 campaign.
Red Bull is therefore taking no chances at Perez’s home race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez where bodyguards will follow Verstappen’s every move off and away from the track.
“Max doesn’t actually want that and is relaxed,” Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko told F1-Insider. "But we have responsibility for him, so we just want to be on the safe side.”
Looking ahead to his home race, an event that has never been won by a Mexican driver, Perez will rely on a massive wave of support to boost his chances, but the six-time Grand Prix winner also wants his supporters to treat his team and Verstappen with the utmost respect.
“Mexico is my most important weekend of the season and I can’t wait for my home race," said Perez last weekend.
"The support in Austin this weekend was crazy, so I can’t even imagine what Mexico will be like, it’s going to be very special.
“We have made some very good steps with the car but didn’t get to fully show our progress due to taking some wrong directions with the set-up this past weekend.
"I am optimistic for this week, we know what direction we have to take now so hopefully we get to show that. We have a few things to sort out with the car and we should come back stronger.
"I want Mexico to come out to support the whole Red Bull team, not just me."
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