Max Verstappen has insisted he feels totally safe in Mexico and said talk of a bitter rivalry with Formula 1 team-mate Sergio Perez is “made-up”.
The three-time world champion is bracing himself for quite a tough reception from the Mexican fans, with them feeling that he is local hero Perez’s main obstacle to victory. After being booed heavily by Perez fans at the United States GP last weekend, and the Mexico paddock being one of the most packed of the year, Verstappen has been spotted with two bodyguards during his appearances so far.
Checo and I, we get on really well. For us, I don't think there is any rivalry. “Of course, as a driver on track you always try to be first or be faster, but I think we have a lot of respect for each other, and we appreciate each other's performances.” Mexican race promoters have launched a campaign – called #racespect – to try to encourage better behaviour from fans so drivers like Verstappen are not the subject of abuse.
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