Mexico City GP: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez dismiss ‘rivalry’ amid concerns over hostility

Max Verstappen and Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez say there is no “rivalry” between them; Watch the Mexico City GP live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend, with first practice starting at 7.30pm on Friday. Sunday’s race is at 8 p.m

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have dismissed suggestions of a rivalry between them as false, amid concerns the world champion faces a hostile atmosphere at his Red Bull teammate’s home race in Mexico this weekend.

Verstappen faced jeers after winning last year’s race in Mexico and was again on the receiving end of apparent hostility after winning the United States Grand Prix last weekend, with some suggesting Perez fans were responsible .

Organizers of the Mexico City Grand Prix launched a ‘Racepect’ campaign earlier in October to promote tolerance and respect for all drivers, which was accompanied by a statement saying that “insults and unpleasant behavior cannot go unnoticed and also should not continue.”

Requested by Sky Sports F1 On whether he was afraid of any unsavory scenes this weekend, Perez said: “Not at all and I think it is important that we spread this message (of respect) because the media likes to create this kind of rivalry off the track.

“We are a great sport and we are a great example to many young generations and we just need to focus on the sports side.

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Red Bull driver Max Verstappen emphasizes that respect for all drivers is important after he was booed during the United States Grand Prix.

“Whatever happens on the track must always stay there and that is the best message we as a country want to send to the rest of the world.

“There is nothing else to worry about, the most important thing is that everything stays on track.”

The relationship between the teammates came under scrutiny at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix last November, when angry messages were exchanged over the radio after Verstappen refused an instruction to let Perez past him on the final lap.

Since that flashpoint there has been little public friction between the pair, with Verstappen’s dominance as he cruised to his third consecutive drivers’ title diffused any potential tension.

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Max Verstappen refuses to let teammate Sergio Perez through again and is furious with Red Bull on the team radio.

Asked about the rivalry between the two, Verstappen said: “That is made up.

“Checo and I get along very well. For us, I don’t think there is any rivalry.

“Of course, as a driver on the track you always try to be first or faster, but we have a lot of respect for each other and appreciate each other’s performances.”

When can you only watch the Mexico City GP live on Sky Sports F1?

Friday October 27
7 p.m.: Mexico City GP, practice one
8:45 PM: The F1 show
10:45 PM: GP of Mexico City, practice two (also on Sky Sports Main Event)

Saturday October 28
6.15 pm: GP practice three of Mexico City
9 p.m.: Mexico City GP qualifying build-up (also on Sky Sports Main Event)
10 p.m.: Mexico City GP qualifying (also on Sky Sports Main Event)

Sunday October 29
6:30 PM: Grand Prix Sunday Mexico City GP build-up (also on Sky Sports Main Event)
8 p.m.: The GRAND PRIZE OF MEXICO CITY (also on Sky Sports Main Event)
10 p.m.: Checkered flag: Mexico City GP

F1 is in Mexico for the middle leg of the US triple header. Watch the entire Mexico City Grand Prix weekend live on Sky Sports F1 from Friday, with Sunday’s race at 8pm. Stream F1 on Sky Sports with NOW