Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko believes that a group of Mexican fans were behind the substantial booing during the United States Grand Prix podium celebrations on Sunday, where Max Verstappen stood on the top step for the 50th time in his career.
Verstappen recovered superbly from sixth on the grid to win at the Circuit of the Americas for the third season in a row, which marked his 15th win of 2023.
This equals his 2022 record of 15 wins, which is the most victories a driver has ever claimed in a single campaign.
It wasn’t an easy win though, as he had to deal with a brake issue throughout the race.
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Nevertheless, it was the three-time World Champion who was presented with the first-place trophy once again, seemingly to the crowds’ disappointment.
As Verstappen received the trophy, there was an enormous wave of boos from those in attendance, which continued during the Dutch and Austrian national anthems.
Marko was disappointed by this and criticised fans of Sergio Perez, who he insisted didn’t “maintain the fair sporting standard”.
“We are in contact with a lot of Mexicans,” Marko told Sky Germany.
“The majority are very friendly and fair, but there are always some, let’s say enthusiastic people, who don’t maintain the fair sporting standard. But we have no concerns and are happy to go to Mexico.”
Perez was extremely well supported at the US GP and was seen waving to fans well after the race had finished, something which was captured live on Sky Sports F1’s post-session show ‘Ted’s Notebook’.
Perez waved to his fans with his son by his side, whilst the 33-year-old also signed plenty of flags and caps.
He was easily the most supported driver at the event, alongside Lewis Hamilton who also received plenty of cheers.
It is, of course, the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend, where Verstappen was booed last weekend.
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Whether that’ll happen again or not will soon be discovered; however, the rumours of Perez being replaced by Daniel Ricciardo certainly won’t help the situation.
Supposedly, Red Bull will consider replacing Perez if he doesn’t claim second in the Drivers’ Championship, something which looks more in the Mexican’s favour now after Hamilton was disqualified on Sunday.
Hamilton was disqualified after his car failed a post-race plank inspection, meaning Perez now has a 39-point advantage over the seven-time World Champion in the standings.