Max Verstappen recorded his 50th Grand Prix win as he took the Austin race win home. However, he may have not gotten the reaction he expected. After the Dutchman won, he was prepared to get on top of the podium to cheers until he heard “Checo” being chanted by Sergio Perez fans. While there have been instances where fans have booed Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel for winning, it became more important than the Dutchman’s win.
One fan commented, “Boos for Verstappen and lots of ‘Checo, Checo’ chants as the podium ceremony starts…” Another fan commented, “Damn they’re really booing Max.” However, one fan was not having it and asked others to show some respect to the winner. They commented “Max must wonder what he has to do. I guess people just love to see someone at the top. I may not be RBR’s biggest fan (from the earlier wars) but I have a lot of respect for Max.”
Boos for Verstappen and lots of ‘Checo, Checo’ chants as the podium ceremony starts… #F1 #USGP
— Phillip Horton (@PHortonF1) October 22, 2023
Nonetheless, this has fans excited to see the outcome at the Mexican Grand Prix. As the Mexican race approaches and the reaction that Sergio Perez got from fans in Austin, there’s no doubt Max Verstappen has finally reached Checo’s territory. However, many also found it hilarious that Perez was being praised for finishing P5 in a race that Verstappen had won. As the Red Bull team finishes at the top despite all the challenges, the bosses may have to change their verdict on Checo.
Sergio Perez gets praised despite looming Lewis Hamilton threat
As many are aware Hamilton has made his way to snatch Perez’s second place. Many have been anticipating seeing the Mercedes star dethrone one of the Red Bull drivers. Lewis Hamilton is now only 19 points away from getting Checo’s seat in second. Sergio Perez, who finished fifth in the race now has 238 points. While Lewis Hamilton who finished second is at 219 points.
19 POINTS TO CHECO pic.twitter.com/Jv6i5V9oky
— val 🦦 (@H44MlLTON) October 22, 2023
With four more races to go, it is only fair to assume that Hamilton may have it in the bag. After seeing great development in the car, Mercedes has become a little optimistic. However, many fans chanted for Checo which no one understood. The absolute fan favorite at Austin finished only P5 in the same car as his teammate Max Verstappen. And while the Red Bull star took a race win, he was four places behind.
Nonetheless, many are now excited to see if Checo can spur a victory at his home race. However, Hamilton has not gained an advantage clearly. With a good Mercedes car right behind, Checo will have to do the best in qualifying and the race.