Max Verstappen has commented on his rising popularity amongst Brazilian fans and his growing friendship with Gabriel Bortoleto.

The four-time world champion has spent plenty of his time in South America, celebrating his five-year anniversary with girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, while also travelling with father-in-law Nelson Piquet to the revamped Autodromo Internacional de Nelson Piquet.

Along with that, the Dutchman has also struck up a good friendship with Gabriel Bortoleto, with the two of them appearing on a podcast together before the Brazilian races in front of his home fans for the first time in Formula 1.

When asked about his rising popularity in Brazil and receiving fewer 'hate-based' comments, along with his friendship with Bortoleto, Verstappen started by saying: "Hate is a strong word!

Max Verstappen took a stunning win at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, all but sealing his fourth world title with victory at Interlagos - Photo: Race Pictures

"I've been the same person since I started in Formula 1. But Gabi is a great friend, a great driver. He has a great talent as well. He's having a great season as a rookie. That he is Brazilian is great, but he's just a friend. It doesn't matter if he's Brazilian or not; by coincidence, he is.

"We have worked a bit together, and I try to advise him if he wants to know something. It's been really nice, and for sure, I have probably already felt a little bit of a difference.

"I think last year, on the podium felt a bit different, but at the same time, it's not because I behave differently. I've been the same, so maybe the perception has changed. I always loved coming here anyway."

Read also

Are Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet married?

Would Verstappen lead the standings in a McLaren? Sky analyst weighs in!

Jos Verstappen dismisses Perez claim about Max and Red Bull

Verstappen 'hoping for some luck' in his title charge

There will be plenty of support for Verstappen at the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix, with Interlagos playing host to the penultimate sprint race of the season.

After clawing back a deficit that sat at 104 points after the Dutch Grand Prix, the Dutchman sits just 36 points behind championship leader Lando Norris, who is just one point clear of his teammate Oscar Piastri in P2 as the championship builds towards a thrilling finale.

However, despite the fine form of Red Bull, Verstappen admits that he will "need a little bit of luck" if he is going to take his fifth consecutive title and complete one of the great comebacks in F1 history.

Lando Norris sits at the top of the drivers' standings for the first time since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in April - Photo: Race Pictures

GPblog's latest F1 Paddock Update

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.