Carlos Sainz of Ferrari secured an emotionally charged victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix after Max Verstappen of Red Bull was penalized twice for incidents involving his title rival Lando Norris. Verstappen’s penalties cost him two points, resulting in a closing of the drivers’ gap to 47 points with only four races remaining in the Formula One season. Norris finished second in the race, cutting Verstappen’s overall lead from 57 points to 47. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari finished in third place and secured a bonus point for setting the fastest lap.
This win marked Ferrari’s first victory in Mexico since 1990 and was the fourth career win for Sainz. The Spaniard expressed his desire to win one more race for Ferrari and was delighted to achieve that goal in Mexico, especially in front of the enthusiastic crowd. Despite Verstappen having to serve two 10-second penalties and fighting back from 15th place after a strong start on the front row, he remained the clear favorite for the title. Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished fourth and fifth respectively, while McLaren’s Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg finished seventh and ninth, with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly taking the final point.
Verstappen’s aggressive driving style came under scrutiny once again during the race, with Norris labeling him as ‘dangerous’ over the team radio after being forced off track at turn four and turn seven due to clashes with the Red Bull driver. The stewards penalized Verstappen for both incidents, leading to a heated battle between the two drivers. Despite the penalties and his streak of not winning in 10 races, Verstappen showed no signs of concern or regret about his actions on the track. McLaren remained at the top of the constructors’ standings but only held a 29-point lead over Ferrari.
Sainz’s victory in Mexico was a significant moment both for him personally and for Ferrari, as it solidified their position in the championship battle. The win also showcased Sainz’s talent and determination on the track, further establishing him as a strong competitor in the Formula One field. Verstappen’s alterations with Norris and subsequent penalties added another layer of drama to the race, highlighting the intensity and competitiveness of the sport. As the season entered its final stages, the drivers and teams were gearing up for the remaining races, with the title fight becoming more intense with each passing event.
With only four races left in the season and the gap between Verstappen and Norris shrinking, the championship battle was set to intensify in the coming weeks. Verstappen’s quest for another title faced challenges from his rivals, including Norris and Hamilton, who were determined to close the gap further. Ferrari’s resurgence in Mexico added a new dimension to the championship race, with Sainz’s victory injecting fresh excitement into the competition. As the Formula One season headed towards its conclusion, the drivers and teams were preparing for the final showdown, where every point and position would be crucial in determining the ultimate winner of the championship.
