After watching the race it should be clear to Checo, and all of the Max fans, they're never going to let him actually battle Max. They were able to sneak in long ass pit stops last year to hide that they wanted Max to win over him, but there's no way Max was passing him with a broken DRS.
It would've been the same team result if they told Max to chill on attacking Checo. I saw a stat that Mexico buys 30% of all RBR merch. They can't keep holding him back and expect those fans to keep spending that money. RBR also can't replace him with someone as competent, but who also won't fight back (Gasly and Albon absolutely will fight back at this point).
I actually think there's potential for him to be Lewis' replacement at Mercedes.