Gabriel Bortoleto Pranks Max Verstappen During Mexico Fan Event

Max Verstappen received a tap with a microphone in his groin from Gabriel Bortoleto during a Formula 1 fan event in Mexico, GPBlog.com reported on October 31, 2026. The incident occurred on stage while Nico Hülkenberg was speaking to the crowd, as Bortoleto pretended to tie his shoes before making contact.

The Fan Event Incident in Mexico

The lighthearted moment on stage caught both drivers and fans off guard, drawing loud laughter from the crowd. Bortoleto had been trying to answer questions earlier in the session, but loud cheering made him barely audible whenever Verstappen waved to the audience. When Hülkenberg took his turn at the microphone, Bortoleto leaned over as if to check his footwear and delivered the tap. Verstappen laughed off the gesture.

GPFans confirmed the details of the stage interaction in Mexico, noting that the Audi driver could not resist another prank after pulling a similar stunt a week prior. The relationship between the established champion and the newer grid additions remains visibly relaxed during public appearances.

Earlier Pranks on the Austin Podium

The incident in Mexico follows a previous practical joke executed by the Brazilian driver just days before in the United States. During a fan moment in Austin, Bortoleto pulled down Nico Hülkenberg’s trousers as they walked onto the stage. That stunt left Hülkenberg standing in front of the audience in his underwear, establishing a pattern of backstage and on-stage humor among the team members.

Hülkenberg is already well-accustomed to the antics of his teammate. The German veteran has largely shrugged off the playful interruptions during official promotional duties.

Mentorship and Rookies in the Paddock

Verstappen has frequently taken younger drivers under his wing since entering the sport as a teenager himself. Over recent seasons, drivers like Kimi Antonelli have spent considerable time in the company of the four-time world champion. Bortoleto has similarly maintained a close presence around the Red Bull driver throughout the 2026 campaign, reflecting a strong rapport between the established front-runner and the newer competitors entering the paddock.