Max Verstappen was greeted with hostility by some Sergio Perez fans ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen asked fans to show drivers more respect after a group of Sergio Pérez fans booed him during the podium ceremony at last weekend’s United States Grand Prix.
The reigning world champion took his 15th win of the season at Texas, seeing off a late threat from Mercedes star and old rival Lewis Hamilton before the Briton was eventually eliminated after the session.
As Verstappen stepped onto the podium to celebrate his well-deserved victory at Circuit of the Americas, he was greeted with overwhelming boos from the crowd, many of whom were supporting his teammate Your Red Bull.
While some saw this as booing Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Verstappen was clearly unimpressed, and that hostility will likely recur if he wins or returns to the podium in Mexico on Sunday.
Addressing the situation ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, Verstappen told Sky Sports F1: “I am of course here to do my job and so far the reception I have received has been incredible and always great great and I certainly hope that happens..” case.”
“But like this [message] goes out to everyone.. That’s why I also think they’re trying to promote this, because it’s not just here.. I think that’s generally true in sports today.. We’ve gained a lot of new fans over the past few years and they may react or respond a little differently than before.
“Of course, I think it’s good to support your favorite driver, but you also have to respect others.. In some places, when standing on the podium, when the national anthem is sung or played, I think it’s always quite disrespectful when you start singing through these moments..
“And that’s why I think it’s good that they (F1) are raising awareness, because it’s not just in our sport, but also in so many other sports where people are trying to raise awareness about this stuff.. conscience.”
Verstappen was then asked if he thought most of the booing in Texas was actually not for him, to which he replied: “I don’t think so.. You can go any way.
“But it doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter if it’s now sent to me or to someone else, a governor.. I think in general [it’s good] to raise awareness for all types of drivers..”