Helmut Marko labels Mexican GP fans as “sporty crowd” despite massive booing for Charles Leclerc

Helmut Marko praised Mexican fans for their behavior despite the crowd booing Charles Leclerc.

Helmut Marko labels Mexican GP fans as “sporty crowd” despite massive booing for Charles Leclerc

Helmut Marko [L], Charles Leclerc [R] (images via IMAGO)

Heading into the Mexican GP, Red Bull was concerned about the behavior of the fans towards Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver was forced to bring in bodyguards for the race. Fortunately, Verstappen was greeted like a legend by the local crowd. However, Charles Leclerc faced severe backlash from fans on the podium. Now, Dr. Helmut Marko has praised the attitude of the fans.

Verstappen received a grand reception after he came home to win the Mexican GP. Fans cheered for the three-time world champion in the grandstands. On the other hand, Leclerc was booed after the race. The Monegasque driver collided with Sergio Perez on Lap 1 which put an end to the race of the Mexican driver. Although, the Ferrari driver defended himself citing that he had no room to avoid the incident.

The Red Bull consultant seemed pleased with the fans at the Grand Prix. So much so, that Marko even praised the crowd for their sporting spirit during the weekend. The 80-year-old claimed that he had never experienced such an atmosphere at a circuit before. Perhaps, Helmut Marko ignored the boos that were directed at Charles Leclerc post-race.

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They were great! An incredibly sporty crowd and I have rarely experienced such an atmosphere.

Dr. Helmut Marko told Sky Sports Germany

Red Bull have a mixed weekend at the Mexican GP

The Austrian team was touted to be the favorites for the Mexican GP. However, Red Bull faced a setback during Qualifying after Charles Leclerc took pole position. Nevertheless, both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez managed to get alongside the pole-sitter by Turn 1. Although, Verstappen was the only Red Bull driver to have made the corner.

Max Verstappen on the Mexican GP podium (Via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen on the Mexican GP podium (Via IMAGO)

The three-time world champion went on to have a comfortable race from there on. The Dutch driver came home to win a record-breaking 16th race in a single F1 season. On the other hand, Perez was forced to retire from the race with his season going from bad to worse. However, Helmut Marko has claimed that the Mexican driver will race for Milton Keynes in 2024 regardless of this result.

Certainly, Helmut Marko and Red Bull are delighted for Verstappen’s win in Mexico City. However, the team will be more concerned regarding the situation with Perez after this race. The Mexican driver is expected to stay with the Austrian team in 2024. However, rumors have already begun floating around a different driver line-up at Milton Keynes

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