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Why Mexican F1 fans no longer like Verstappen
It may be clear that Max Verstappen is not exactly the most popular person in Mexico at the moment. But what prompted this attitude from Mexican Formula 1 fans?
'Why the hate against Max Verstappen?'
Mexico's Esto points out that Verstappen was once a beloved character in Mexico. As an example, the newspaper refers to the 2017 Mexican Grand Prix, where the Dutchman arrived in a van. However, the attitude of local F1 fans towards the three-time world champion has changed drastically.
According to Esto, the reason behind this lies in the ensuing rivalry with Red Bull Racing teammate Sergio Perez and an incident that occurred a year ago. "In 2017, the Dutch driver, now a three-time world champion, endeared himself to motorsport fans by being transported in a van, a typical means of transport for residents of the capital."
"The Dutch driver has become a target of criticism in Mexico for not helping Checo Pérez in some results," the newspaper explained. "Although he has a good relationship with Mexican driver Checo Pérez, the Dutchman is a competitive guy. He has always shown that he wants to win, and that is why he has lost some fans in the country."
With that, Esto points to the time he did not let his teammate pass him to score important points for second place in the drivers' championship, which Perez eventually lost to Charles Leclerc. "This action provoked annoyance because, at that moment, he was already champion. It was at that moment that he deserved the criticism, which even Checo Pérez himself expressed by saying he had helped him many times."
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