In the Mexico City Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz of Ferrari clinched an emotional victory after Max Verstappen of Red Bull was penalized twice for clashes with Lando Norris. Verstappen finished sixth, allowing Norris to narrow the gap in the drivers’ championship to 47 points with four races remaining. Norris, who criticized Verstappen’s aggressive driving as “dangerous,” finished second and managed to cut into Verstappen’s lead. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari secured third place and set the fastest lap of the race.
It was a momentous win for Ferrari, marking their first victory in Mexico since 1990. Sainz, who is departing for Williams at the end of the season, expressed his joy at securing a win for Ferrari, stating that it was a significant achievement for himself as well. Verstappen, who received two 10-second penalties for his clashes with Norris, had to fight his way back from 15th place after serving the penalties. Despite not winning in ten races, Verstappen remained confident in his title aspirations, emphasizing his disappointment with his race pace.
In an exciting battle, Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished fourth and fifth respectively. Haas had a strong showing with Kevin Magnussen in seventh and Nico Hulkenberg in ninth, while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished eighth. Pierre Gasly of Alpine claimed the final point, bringing the team closer to seventh-placed Williams. McLaren maintained their lead in the constructors’ championship but faced a tighter competition from Ferrari, trailing by only 29 points.
Verstappen initially took the lead from Sainz but lost it soon after the safety car period, allowing Sainz to regain the lead with the help of DRS. Sainz crossed the finish line with a comfortable lead of 4.705 seconds over Norris, while Leclerc finished 34.387 seconds behind his teammate after a late pit stop for fresh tires to set the fastest lap of the race. The tension between Verstappen and Norris escalated once again during the race, with stewards penalizing Verstappen for forcing Norris off the track and gaining an advantage by leaving the track at turn seven.
Overall, the Mexico City Grand Prix showcased a thrilling race with unexpected turns of events, culminating in a well-deserved win for Carlos Sainz and Ferrari. Verstappen’s penalties and battles with Norris significantly impacted the drivers’ championship standings, setting the stage for an intense showdown in the remaining races. As the season approaches its conclusion, the competition between the top teams and drivers continues to intensify, promising more excitement and drama in the fight for the Formula One title.
