The climate is already tense Mexico City. In fact, there is always a lot of excitement around the riders when the Circus reaches the Mexican stage. However, passion often makes you lose your mind. So cheering begins to mix with hatred, resentment and violence. Also ad Austin, in Texas the Mexican fans took center stage with an unpleasant episode. During the awards ceremony Max Verstappen he was booed rather insistently by a section of fans who arrived there to support Sergio Perez. Max has never enjoyed the public's sympathy but the fact of having a Mexican driver at home, of beating him race after race, even partly determining his fate, did not please Perez's supporters. The experience in Austin highlighted the growing division between supporters of the two Red Bull drivers. These hostile attitudes have raised concerns for Verstappen's safety. Red Bull has therefore taken drastic measures to protect Verstappen, alongside him two bodyguards for the weekend in Mexico.
Red Bull, climate never as tense as now
The world of Formula 1 is often characterized not only by the intense competition on the track but also by the complex dynamics that develop within the teams and among the fans. The 1 F2023 season saw Red Bull dominate in all competitions. With 17 wins from 18 races, much of it thanks to the extraordinary skill of Max Verstappen. However, Red Bull's success has also led to growing tensions and hostility, especially in the context of the relationship between Verstappen and his teammate, Sergio Perez.
Red Bull is now at loggerheads with the Mexican driver. There is talk of a replacement for 2024. Furthermore, the Mexican people felt deeply offended by Helmut Marko, who recently spoke of Perez as a driver strongly influenced by the fact of being Mexican, an element that according to the Red Bull consultant would lead to acting without thinking too much. Perez is under pressure to prove himself and maintain his position at Red Bull. This uncertain context adds an additional level of tension for both Perez and Verstappen, as both are challenged to manage the expectations of the team and fans.
Perez asks fans for support for the team
Red Bull consultant, Helmut Marko, confirmed that Max Verstappen will be accompanied by two bodyguards at the Mexican Grand Prix. This decision was made in response to social media threats directed at Verstappen and negative reactions from fans at previous races. Although Verstappen himself did not request this additional protection, Red Bull felt it was essential to ensure the safety and well-being of its star driver.
The tense atmosphere within the Red Bull team is further amplified by Perez's situation. Despite his status as home driver in the Mexican Grand Prix, Perez appealed to his fans to support the entire Red Bull team instead of just focusing on him. This strategic move by Perez is an attempt to unify fan support and relieve pressure on Verstappen, who now finds himself in the delicate position of having to manage both the competition on the track and the reactions of the public.
Security in Mexico, a problem already raised
The situation in Mexico City remains on high alert for the rest of the riders, who have been mobbed by fans since the beginning of the week. Already in recent years some pilots have complained about the lack of safety. In particular Pierre Gasly who last year, among the crowd in the paddock, found himself with the pocket of the bag in which he had all his documents and other personal objects open.
