Max Verstappen targets ‘new fans’ after ‘disrespectful chanting’ during US Grand Prix podium

Three-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen has backed the organisers of the Mexico City Grand Prix’s campaign for more “respect” after he was booed on the podium at the last race in Austin.
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing in the post race FIA Press Conference. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 19, United
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing in the post race FIA Press Conference. Formula 1 World…

Verstappen was greeted by a chorus of boos when he stood on the top step 𒆙of the podium at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin.

There was so🐻me debate over whether the booing was aimed at Ver𒉰stappen or Texas Governor Abbott, who was handing out one of the trophies at the time.

Verstappen felt the booi꧙ng and cheering was aimed at him - with it coming from a number of Mexican fans who were chanting ‘Checo, Checoᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚ’.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s race in Mexico, Verstappen re💛vealed that he’s had a warm welcome so far but called for more respect after “disrespectful” 🧜chanting last time out.

“Honestly, like I arrived Tuesday evening and yesterday already had a full day of marketing and it’s been great,” he said. “Honestly, the reception that I got was very nice. We had a great time and of course p💧eople always have questions about it.

“I am just here to do my job and so far t🌺he welcome that I’ve got has been amazing - it always has been amazing. Hopefully it will stay a bit like that for everyone. I think that🅘’s why they’re trying to promote that [respect campaign] because it’s not something only about here but in general in the sport right now. 

Race winner Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 19, United
Race winner Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium. Formula 1 World…

“We gained a lot of new fans over the last few years and they might respond or react a little bit differently to what we had before. ♈;

“Of course, it’s always good to support your favourite driver but to have respect for others, in particular, places while being on the podium when the national anthe🐬m is being sung or played. It's quite disrespectful when you start chanting through these moments so that’s why I think it’s good why t♐hey’re raising awareness. 

“It’s no🎐t just our sport but other sports they’re trying to raise awareness.”

Verstappen has won in Mexico on four previous occasions - 2017, 2018, 2021 an🌞d 2022.

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