Verstappen gets support from Perez: 'Show how beautiful our country is'

Sergio Perez has reiterated his hope that Mexican fans will express their support for Max Verstappen. The Mexican himself also looked ahead to his own chances in his home race and what he did or did not discuss with Max Verstappen.

Verstappen and Helmut Marko know what awaits them ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix. The Dutchman already stood on the podium to loud boos after the GP in America, and for the Mexican GP, two bodyguards have even been arranged for Verstappen's own safety. Home hero Perez hopes it all goes well.

Why Perez wants to win in Mexico

"We [must] demonstrate that we are the best fans in the world," Perez opened with a message much like Lewis Hamilton's. "May everyone in Formula 1 leave here with a good taste of Mexico, as it has always been. So I think that behaving up to par is going to be very important for me personally and to show how great we are as a country and culture."

Perez himself is mainly focused on the result. At the Italian Grand Prix, Perez last stood on the podium and would prefer to return there at home. Preferably on the top step, because then he will be the first Mexican to achieve that in his own country: "It's a moment that I've dreamt of all my life."

Yet his teammate is the clear favourite. Verstappen has already won four times in Mexico and has already won 15 of the 18 races held this season. Asked if Perez and Verstappen have talked about the win in Mexico, the 33-year-old driver is clear: "No, we haven't talked about that."