Verstappen reacts to bodyguards and security concerns for the first time

Verstappen is logically the biggest favourite ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix. The Dutchman has already won 15 of the 18 Grands Prix this season and has also won four times in Mexico. The Red Bull Racing driver therefore looks ahead to the Mexico City GP with great confidence.

''In the past, this hasn’t been a place where we thought we’d win coming here. But the car and engine has always worked well around here for whatever reason. That’s been great. I think this year, when you look at how our car has been performing, low speed kerbing has been on the more difficult side. Nothing dominant. Here you have the low speed and kerbs. I do expect over one lap it will be harder to be the outright quickest,'' Verstappen told Sky Sports.

Verstappen responds to threats

However, the being the favourite is not the main topic of conversation. Rather, that is Verstappen's safety. Helmut Marko already revealed that Verstappen has been provided with two bodyguards for safety. There are also several rumours about actions that would take place to block Verstappen.

"I had a full day of marketing yesterday [Wednesday], and it has been great. The reception that I got was very nice. We had a good time. People have questions about it, but I’m here to do my job. The welcome I have got has been amazing, it always has been, and hopefully, it will stay like that.."

"I think it’s always good to support your favourite driver but also respect others. Like being on the podium with the national anthem, it’s disrespectful when you start chanting through these moments. That’s why I think it’s good they are raising awareness. Not just our sport, but other sports as well."

Asked if the boos were not more towards the government than towards Verstappen, the Dutchman sounded resolute: ''I don’t think so. It might be both ways. But that’s fine. It doesn’t matter if it’s targeted to me or whoever, good to raise awareness'', Verstappen concluded.