Red Bull go against Max Verstappen wishes with security decision for Mexico Grand Prix.
But Verstappen’s popularity in Mexico has been affected by his perceived relationship with hometown hero Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez.
26th October 2023, 2:50 pm
Sean O'Brien
talkSPORT

Formula 1 star Max Verstappen will be protected by bodyguards at the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver wrapped up his third title in record-equalling time earlier this season.

Rumours suggest Red Bull are considering getting rid of Perez one year before his contract expires amid questions over his form. The saga has led to a backlash from Mexican fans towards Verstappen, which was demonstrated at the US Grand Prix last weekend.

Perez is hugely popular in Texas and the Dutch national anthem was drowned out with boos towards Verstappen and chants of ‘Checo! Checo! Checo!’ This aside, drivers have complained about fan behaviour in the paddock at the Mexican Grand Prix before.

‘Speaking to F1-Insider on the use of bodyguards for Verstappen’s safety, Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko explained: “Max doesn’t actually want that and is relaxed’;

https://talksport.com/sport/1617240/


'Marko confirms Verstappen BODYGUARDS' for Mexican Grand Prix
Thursday 26 October 2023 12:42
Cal Gaunt
GPFans

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has reportedly confirmed that bodyguards will be provided to ensure the safety of Max Verstappen during the Mexican Grand Prix.

According to F1-Insider, Marko has confirmed that the team will have two bodyguards in place for Verstappen in Mexico City, but insists it's only as an act of precaution. "Max doesn’t actually want that and is relaxed," he told the publication. But we have responsibility for him, so we just want to be on the safe side.”

'Marko confirms Verstappen BODYGUARDS';

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...co-grand-prix/


Red Bull to give Max Verstappen bodyguards at Sergio Perez’s home race, the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix
26 Oct 2023
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

Red Bull will reportedly give Max Verstappen two bodyguards to protect him this weekend in Mexico. While his teammate Sergio Perez returns to home soil where he is idolised at the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix, it’s a different story for Verstappen.

Threats via social media were a main reason why Red Bull opted for extra security, the report states. Red Bull also reportedly expect Perez to minimise the hostility from fans aimed at Verstappen through a public statement.

‘Two bodyguards’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/103911...me-race-mexico


Pirelli explain Mexican Grand Prix tyre test
25 October 2023, 8:00PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Pirelli will introduce a prototype C4 tyre for teams to trial during Friday practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The Italian manufacturer is in the process of homologating its compounds for next season, where F1 will tackle 24 races between March and November.

"Mexico gives us the chance to try out a new variant of the C4 with all the teams," said Head of Motorsport Mario Isola.”

"During the two hours of free practice on Friday, each driver will have two sets of these new prototypes to use as they wish. Once we have analysed all the data, we will then decide whether or not to homologate this version for use in 2024."

‘Tyre test’;

https://racingnews365.com/pirelli-ex...prix-tyre-test


Podcast: Perez's patchy F1 form ahead of pivotal home race
How pivotal a race might the 2023 Mexican Grand Prix be in the Formula 1 career of Sergio Perez?
Oct 26, 2023
The Race

Attention is on Perez heading to his home race given his tricky run of late in the RB19, and the panel ask whether he's turned a corner - having responded to two dreadful weekends with a solid performance at Austin - in time for the visit to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit he's scored podiums at in the last two years.

What route Perez needs to take to get the best out of Red Bull's cars and the key quality he needs to show Red Bull are also considered - as is the role successfully exhibiting those could play in Perez staking his claim for a 2025 contract extension.

There's a closer look too at Perez's hero status in Mexico and whether he can use his home support to raise his performance level, at how his slump in competitiveness has been received in Mexico, and whether second in the F1 standings is his to lose or win.

‘Perez's patchy F1 form’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/p...-f1-home-race/