Max Verstappen will be provided bodyguards at the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix amid security concerns.
Dutchman Verstappen has enjoyed another dominant season as his Red Bull car remains streets ahead of the rest of the grid.
The 26-year-old recently sealed his third Formula 1 world title at the Qatar Grand Prix.
Ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend, it has been reported that Verstappen will be given bodyguards due to safety concerns.
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Security concerns have been raised due to Verstappen’s relationship with home favourite Sergio Perez.
Fans were heard booing Verstappen whilst chanting Perez’s name during last weekend’s United States Grand Prix.
Red Bull technical director Helmut Marko told F1 Insider, as per Racing News 365: “Max doesn’t actually want that and is relaxed. But we have responsibility for him, so we just want to be on the safe side.”
In addition, Verstappen’s girlfriend, Kelly Piquet recently revealed she received death threats over her comments on the war between Israel and Palestine.
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Kelly, who is the daughter of three-time F1 world champion Nelson wrote on Instagram: “Instead of coming in my DMs with your death threats, highly abusive language, and other obscene pictures, UNFOLLOW ME. This is not a ~conflict~ this is a genocide. My follower count or brand deals are not more important than a life I could be saving by advocating to stop this. And neither are yours.”
Speaking about the booing at the US Grand Prix, Verstappen said: “It doesn’t matter if it’s now targeted to me or to whatever governor, I think in general it’s just to raise that kind of awareness to any kind of drive.”
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Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Formula 1, Max Verstappen