By Sergio Silva
28 Oct 2023, 18:19 PM EDT
Max Verstappen’s concern about facing a hostile environment from local fans at the Mexico City Grand Prix was forgotten with what the Dutchman experienced in these first days in Aztec territory where the Mexican fans have shown their affection to Sergio “Checo” Pérez’s teammate in the Red Bull team.
The rivalry between the man from Guadalajara and the Formula 1 champion in this 2023 season was one of the main reasons why Verstappen was expected to receive rejection from the locals. However, nothing could be further from the truth according to the runner himself who highlighted the good reception he has been given in Mexico City.
“So far I haven’t had any problems. I have been able to meet great people, many fans supporting me and “Checo” Pérez. So far I haven’t noticed anything bad.”said the Dutchman in an interview with the sports network ESPN after the first two training sessions at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Red Bull’s star driver, who secured the three-time F1 championship several weeks ago by winning the Qatar Grand Prix He revealed that he feels good to be back in a place that always responds well taking into account the presence of “Checo” Pérez since the 2021 season.
“Mexico is an incredible country, with a lot of history and it is also very beautiful. It’s always great to be back here, a place where we always have great support from the fans.”highlighted the Dutchman who has already begun to demonstrate his ability by having the best record in the first two free practice sessions.
For Max Verstappen, 26 years old, the fact of being able to experience this good reception that the Mexican fans are giving him is a reason for satisfaction and something that It should continue to be repeated in other places where Formula 1 continues to grow as a sport and increasing support in fan numbers.
“I think it’s a very good thing because in our sport we have gained many new fans in recent years and sometimes their behavior is a little different. It is good to promote that awareness that it is good to be kind to others is a very good thing”Verstappen explained that he is preparing to continue expanding his dominance in this 2023 season.
Looking ahead to this Sunday’s race, the Dutchman assured that he hopes to maintain the trend of recent seasons when they visit Mexico, although he is aware that they will have a tough nut to crack from the Mercedes team led by the seven-time champion. of Formula 1, the British Lewis Hamilton.
“In the past we have had many good results here, but with each passing year it is different because it depends on the car. At low speed we will fight in the corners and I think they will be very fast”Verstappen said.
Keep reading:
– Max Verstappen showed his dissatisfaction with the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez track ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix: “It is very slippery”
– Sergio “Checo” Pérez is cautious ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix: “We have very little margin for error”
– Sergio “Checo” Pérez set the third best time in the first free practices of the Mexico City Grand Prix