Red Bull confirm Verstappen bodyguards over Mexico safety fears

Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed Max Verstappen will be provided with bodyguards to ensure his protection at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The Dutchman has had a failed relationship with teammate and home favourite Sergio Perez during their time at the team together, with tension spilling over near the end of last season.

Whilst those fissures seem to have repaired at least publically, Perez's fans have been far from impressed with his treatment from the team in the wake of a difficult run of form this term.

This was demonstrated in a chorus of boos for now-three-time F1 champion Verstappen after he won the United States Grand Prix last weekend, with the hostility continuing as he collected his trophy on the podium.

Safe side

A similar welcome is expected this weekend given the home support Perez generates at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Whilst the use of security bodyguards may seem excessive, the Mexican venue has had issues in recent years regarding fan behaviour in the paddock.

A number of drivers attested to the scrums forming between garage and hospitality areas as supporters swamped them for pictures and autographs, with Pierre Gasly suggesting personal belongings had been tampered with.

Speaking to F1-Insider on the use of bodyguards for Verstappen's safety, Marko explained: “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.”