Horner Not Expecting 'Warmest Reception In Mexico' For Verstappen

Wednesday, 25 October 2023 at 11:00

Red Bull Racing F1 team principal Christian Horner predicted Max Verstappen won't get "the warmest reception in Mexico" after being booed on the podium in Austin.

After another strong weekend from Max Verstappen winning both the sprint race on Saturday and the race on Sunday, the three-time World Champion was surprised by an unpleasant reaction from the crowd that BOOed him on the podium.

Red Bull's advisor Helmut Marko previously suggested it might be some too-passionate Mexican fans. As reported by Racingnews365.com, Christian Horner shared said in regards to the situation:

"I don't think Max is going to get the warmest reception in Mexico. That's water off a duck's back. One year you are the villain, and the next you are the hero."

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Max Verstappen used to be the hero as he ended the long streak of Mercedes with Lewis Hamilton winning Championships. However, his dominance starts to remind multiple fans exactly the dominant era of Silver Arrows.

Last time around in Mexico, Max Verstappen finished first, followed by Lewis Hamilton, who managed to finish before the home hero Sergio Perez.

During the post-race interviews, the home crowd Booed the seven-time World Champion. Horner suggested even Verstappen might get booed in Mexico this time around. However, the team principal isn't worried.

"I am not worried about that. The team is fully behind Checo and both of our drivers. We love racing in Mexico, we love the Mexican fans, the passion - that stadium is unique. So we are really looking forward to it."

Horner remains positive and looks forward to the Mexico City Grand Prix. Concerning the performance of the Mexican driver at Circuit of the Americas, the team principal said:

"He should take a lot of confidence out of that. His race pace was strong, we know he always races well and hard, and hopefully, it is just the injection of confidence he needs going into his home race which I am sure is going to be nuts for him."