F1 News
Mexican media furious at Verstappen again: 'Max belittles Perez'
- Ludo van Denderen
Last season proved that the Mexican press can react particularly emotionally to the performances of Sergio Perez as well as his teammate Max Verstappen. Red Bull Racing's Dutchman, who is invariably referred to as 'Mad Max' in Mexico, has been accused several times of disrespecting Perez, the pride of Mexico. Esto in particular, the country's most popular sports medium, has helped this.
It is also Esto who once again lash out at Verstappen, this time over an interview the three-time Formula 1 world champion recently gave to Motorsport Aktuell. In that particular story, Verstappen is asked to put together his ideal F1 team. First of all, the Dutchman chooses himself as one of the drivers. As the second man, Verstappen would appoint Lando Norris (McLaren).
Verstappen the bogeyman in Mexico
This statement clearly misfires with the Mexican fanbase. The site devoted an extensive article to the interview with the German, in which Verstappen is portrayed - not for the first time - as a bogeyman. "Max Verstappen belittles Checo Perez and calls for Lando Norris at Red Bull," is the (incorrect) interpretation of Verstappen's words.
Esto even goes a step further: "Instead of being satisfied with what Perez has performed, Max Verstappen demands Lando Norris to come as a partner." Finally, it adds, "Mad Max was passed by Sergio Perez in the Grands Prix of Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan, and apparently Red Bull's prodigal son cannot deal with such setbacks in battle with his teammate."