Max Verstappen had an interesting response for a reporter after he took part in some pre-Mexico City Grand Prix fun.

Verstappen has arrived in the Mexican capital as the leading driver in the Formula 1 standings with 354 points from seven race wins.

Verstappen’s football skills were challenged before the Mexico City Grand Prix@redbulletin X

He and Red Bull teammate Perez had to kick velcro balls at a target@redbulletin X

The Red Bull star is chasing a fourth consecutive world title but Lando Norris of McLaren remains within touching distance in the final weeks.

Sunday’s race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez race track has seen Verstappen travel to the birth country of his teammate Sergio Perez.

They partook in a football activity in front of their fans as part of some promotional coverage for the upcoming Grand Prix.

Verstappen and Perez were given a large target and had to kick some velcro footballs at it, with the aim of getting the highest points total.

Perez emerged as the champion ahead of his Red Bull co-star, who had a humorous explanation for falling short.

“Max, any words for your fans or for the winner?” reporter Giselle Zarur asked before he replied with a straight face: “My balls didn’t stick.”

“Your what?!” she responded in shock before Verstappen repeated it, although he did then allude to the velcro balls and target.

“Ah, ok ok ok,” Zarur understood before an amused Perez joked: “You listen too much to Jorge Campos [former Mexico goalkeeper].”

Verstappen has won the last three Mexico City Grands Prix but has seemingly been off the pace by his own standards this season.

The Dutchman’s last race victory came in Spain in June, with three second-place finishes coming in the nine stages since.

When asked why he didn’t win, he said his balls didn’t stick@redbulletin X

The reporter was left stunned by his humorous response@redbulletin X

Perez also saw the funny side of things@redbulletin X

He boosted his title chances by winning the United States Grand Prix sprint race last weekend before coming third the next day.

Just four races will remain after this weekend’s event in Mexico City as Verstappen aims to stay ahead of Norris down the final stretch.

The title rivals are separated by 57 points, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc behind Norris on 275 points.

Practice for the next Grand Prix commences on Friday with the first and second sessions before the third takes place on Saturday.

They will then complete qualifying later in the day before Sunday’s race, a chance for Verstappen to get even close to title no.4.