Helmut Marko slammed the spectators who booed Max Verstappen on the United States Grand Prix podium and chanted Sergio Perez’s name.
The Mexican racer is very popular in the US also, particularly in those states with large Hispanic communities. Texas is certainly one of them and Perez’s fans were out in force at the Circuit of the Americas to cheer on their hero.
Max Verstappen was booed during the podium ceremony after winning the United States Grand Prix while some fans chanted Sergio Perez’s name over the Dutch national anthem.
Unfortunately, some of them took things too far after the race. Loud boos were directed at Verstappen as he took to the top step of the podium, and again when he was handed his trophy for winning the race.
At first it was unclear whether those disgruntled fans were booing Verstappen because they wanted Perez to win or because the Dutchman had beaten Lewis Hamilton to the win. The Brit is also a very popular figure in the US and a five-time winner in Austin.
But it soon became clear that it was Perez’s fans who were behind the disrespectful scenes. Throughout the Dutch national anthem, they changed their favourite driver’s name – though Verstappen did not bat an eyelid and celebrated as usual.
Red Bull adviser Marko is also of the opinion that it was a particularly die-hard section of Perez’s fanbase which was behind the booing. And, if that was the case, it is likely to happen again at the coming weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix where Perez will be the home hero.
“We are in contact with a lot of Mexicans,” said Marko. “The majority are very friendly and fair, but there are always some, let’s say enthusiastic people, who don’t maintain the fair sporting standard. But we have no concerns and are happy to go to Mexico
Verstappen said afterwards that he was as unfazed by the booing as he had appeared to be. “In the end, I’m the one who takes the silverware home, so all fine by me!” he told Dutch media.
Christian Horner, the team’s owner, continued, “I don’t think Max will receive the best welcome in Mexico! It’s just water off a duck’s back, though. You alternate between being the villain and the hero of the year.
Perez came across the finish line in fifth place in Austin, but after Hamilton was disqualified, he advanced. In the race to finish second behind Verstappen, who has already won the championship, it meant that the Mexican scored 12 more points than the Briton, increasing his advantage over him in the drivers’ standings to 39 points.