If you cannot beat Max Verstappen in Formula 1, or in ‘Grill the Grid’ videos, what do you do? You challenge him for a soccer match. Although the Dutch driver does 14-hour-long FIFA sessions, playing against football legends requires an entirely different skill set. We can empathize because despite playing the EA Sports F1 series all day long, put us in an F1 car and we might be sent flying in the first corner. However, this might be only the first hurdle Verstappen encounters at the 2023 Mexican Grand Prix weekend.

In Red Bull‘s ‘Off the Race Track & Into the Court’ series, the RB drivers caught themselves among the iconic soccer names of Mexico. Drivers by profession, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez held the role of Technical Directors in a casual soccer match. However, as the time ran out, the match came down, once again, to the RB drivers. Are you ready to place your bets?

Max Verstappen’s win streak halts ahead of Mexican GP

Sergio Perez and the defending champion carried their rivalry to a soccer match. With Verstappen directing the White team, Sergio Perez led his little club in the 7th match between the two. However, nicknamed El-Brody, the iconic Mexican soccer player stole the spotlight with his familiar theatrics and his sweep against Verstappen.

In a video posted by RBR News, Max Verstappen hilariously commented on the hysterics of the Campos’ fall. He said, “He’s acting like Neymar on the floor.” Seems like the Dutch driver has kept in touch with the soccer world since FIFA 2018. The Brazilian soccer player, Neymar, etched his name in the soccer world as the player with the lowest pain threshold. His antics have erupted in hilarious memes and now Verstappen’s throwback.

Unfortunately for the Dutch driver, his track dominance could not extend to the soccer field. His win streak halted, albeit not in F1. In a match with final scores being equal, Verstappen and Perez were onto a final kick showdown. Sergio Perez got the ball into the goalpost. But Verstappen’s attempt to score yet another victory was stopped by Jorge Campos. As if the Dutchman had any luck against the greatest goalkeeper in Mexican History. 

READ MORE: Red Bull Taskmaster Unfazed by Sergio Perez’s Threat against Max Verstappen Despite Past Precedent

The weekend has started with Perez-1 and Verstappen-0. However, the jolly nature of the week dims as Max Verstappen awaits a hostile weekend at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

Warning: Tumultuous weekend for Red Bull ahead

After a year-long wait, Checo Perez has geared up for his home race. An overwhelming amount of support is expected to pour in for the Mexican driver at the tracks. However, the same cannot be said for his world champion teammate. 

With fractured ties between the two RB drivers since Sao Paulo 2022, Helmut Marko’s regrettable comments about the Mexican driver have added fuel to the fire. Perez’s fans have also expressed their discontent with constant threats from the RB garage to their driver.

The hostility for Verstappen was evident at Austin during the podium ceremony of the United States Grand Prix. However, days after the incident, the Mexican Minister of Defence defended his teammate and urged fans to be kinder and support the entire Red Bull team. 

However, the threat to Red Bull also comes from the upgrades of Mercedes. With McLaren establishing itself as an emerging rival, Mercedes has now placed its bid for the win in Mexico City.

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Red Bull has been a favorite to win at the Mexican circuit. However, with the closing rival teams, a 16th victory for Verstappen in Mexico is easier said than done.