Max Verstappen will have bodyguards in Mexico, land of Sergio Perez
Ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix, the Red Bull team has strengthened security measures around Max Verstappen. This decision follows jeers received by the Dutch driver during the United States Grand Prix in Austin, as well as online threats. The situation has been exacerbated by internal tensions with his Mexican teammate, Sergio Perez, whose father criticized Verstappen in the media last month.
Red Bull has confirmed that Max Verstappen will be accompanied by two bodyguards for the Mexico Grand Prix. Helmut Marko, the Red Bull driver’s director, told media F1-Insider that they will play it safe. This decision comes after Verstappen was booed at the United States Grand Prix, particularly by Mexican fans present at the event.
« Max doesn’t really want that and is relaxed. But we have a responsibility towards him. So we want to play it safe. »
What Marko fails to mention is that threats had already been made against Verstappen on social networks even before the Austin race and the situation has been particularly tense since mid-September. Sergio Perez’s father, Verstappen’s Mexican teammate, has repeatedly stated in the Mexican media that his son has not had the opportunity to show his true talent due to the construction of the team around Verstappen. He even goes as far as blaming Verstappen for his son’s poor performances.
Sergio Perez is (still) experiencing a difficult season. After a good start with two wins in the first four races, he is struggling to maintain the pace. A break occurred from the Monaco Grand Prix where Max Verstappen signed an impressive number of consecutive victories. Before the Mexican Grand Prix, Perez is only 39 points ahead of Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes). Hamilton was, however, disqualified from the Austin race and seems capable of overtaking the Mexican by the end of the season as he regularly finishes in front.
Having bodyguards is not rare in F1
Lewis Hamilton always has a bodyguard who precedes him. The Mercedes driver is accustomed to getting around with this man, except in the pitlane. His bodyguard is present in the paddock, where fans are very much present, as well as outside the paddock, particularly when he goes to the interview zones in public.
Note that Nicholas Latifi also received death threats and took a bodyguard on a daily basis.
