Checo blames ‘toxic media’ for creating off-track rivalry with Verstappen

Mexican pilot Sergio “Checo” Perez noted that his rivalry on the court with your teammate Max Verstappen doesn’t go beyond it by condemning it this story is based on certain media those he called “toxic”.

Before Mexican Grand Prixwhich will be played this weekend in Autodromo Hermanos RodriguezThe man from Guadalajara recalled that his partner is the best winner on the Aztec circuit and that Mexican fans “really love Max.” “He’s been to Mexico many times and stood on the podium and been applauded.”.

However, recently the relationship between both drivers became public and the media took their sporting rivalry to a new level, leaving many people with the impression that the relationship between them off the track is not very good due to the differences they faced during their time as Red Bull teammates.

Given this, Perez accused “certain media” of create a toxic environment“, emphasizing that “Real fans support all the drivers during the Grand Prix.“.

To questions from specialized sports media ESPNCheko stated:

The press was the main reason for creating this rivalry, which is great, but within the confines of the sport. At the end of the day, whatever happens, you have to stay on the track and have fun because for me it’s the most important thing of the year and the drivers really enjoy it and that’s because the fans behaved in a special way and we have to keep it that way like this in order for people to continue to speak very well about the country.

During a press conference on Thursday, ahead of the first training sessions that will take place this Friday, the Mexican recalled that “It’s important to spread this message. “The media seems to want to create competition off the court.”. “Whatever happens on the track should stay there. This is the best message we as a country can give to the rest of the world. There is nothing bad. The most important thing is that he stays on the track,” he continued.

When asked about the reception the Dutchman would give to the Mexican fans, he noted that comments or actions should be avoided that go beyond what is happening on the track, stressing that they are all rivals, but he and Max are on the same team. “We both want to win and we both do our best.”.

To illustrate his point, the Mexican used Spanish Fernando Alonsositting next to him on the panel and receiving a very warm welcome from the Mexican fans.

Let’s say I’m fighting Fernando in a race. Off the court he is not my opponent, we only fight on the court. But like I said, the media loves to create this rivalry on the side of the court. I do not like it. It’s important for fans to know this.

(according to information from ESPN)