Max Verstappen secures bodyguards for safety at Mexico City Grand Prix

The move comes as a precautionary measure following tensions within the Red Bull team and concerns over fan behaviour.

Verstappen's relationship with his former teammate and Mexican favourite, Sergio Perez, had been strained during their time together at Red Bull, culminating in public displays of discord toward the end of the previous season. 

Although their on-track rivalry has been patched up, the Mexican driver's fans remain displeased with the treatment he received from the team during a challenging season.

This discontent was palpable when Verstappen secured his third Formula 1 championship by winning the United States Grand Prix, as he was greeted with a chorus of boos from the crowd. The hostile reception continued as he stood on the podium to collect his trophy. 

A similar reception is anticipated at the Mexico City Grand Prix, given the immense support Perez garners at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

While the deployment of bodyguards may appear excessive, the decision is underpinned by concerns about fan behaviour within the paddock area at the Mexican venue. In recent years, the paddock has witnessed incidents where fans swarmed drivers for photographs and autographs, sometimes leading to chaotic scenes. Pierre Gasly even reported instances of personal belongings being tampered with.

Addressing the use of bodyguards for Verstappen's protection to F1-Insider, Marko stated, "Max doesn't actually want that and is relaxed. But we have responsibility for him, so we just want to be on the safe side."

The upcoming F1 race is set to unfold at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez over the weekend of October 27-29, located in Mexico City. The circuit is known for its smooth tarmac, which typically results in low levels of tire degradation.

Consequently, securing a favourable track position and making wise tire selections will be pivotal to success, given the limited overtaking opportunities along the 4.304km lap.

 

Read More: Pirelli unveil C4 prototype tires for high-stakes testing in Mexico City (planetsport.com)