Carlos Sainz Triumphs in Mexico as Norris Takes Second and Penal

Carlos Sainz Triumphs in Mexico as Norris Takes Second and Penalties Cost Verstappen

Carlos Sainz clinched a brilliant victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix, marking his fourth career win after a thrilling contest. The Ferrari driver lost his early lead to Max Verstappen but regained control by Lap 9, holding off the competition for a memorable finish.

Drama unfolded when Verstappen battled McLaren’s Lando Norris, leading to two penalties for Verstappen after aggressive moves on the Briton. Each penalty cost him 10 seconds, allowing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to move up to second place. However, Norris later overtook Leclerc after a wide moment from the Ferrari driver, securing second place as Leclerc rounded out the podium in third.

Norris aimed to close the gap to Sainz in the final laps, but the Ferrari driver maintained a steady lead, ultimately winning by 4.7 seconds. Behind them, Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell battled fiercely, with the seven-time champion Hamilton finishing fourth ahead of his teammate.

Despite the penalties, Verstappen recovered to cross the line in sixth, salvaging valuable points on a challenging day for Red Bull. Meanwhile, Haas had a strong showing, with Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg taking seventh and ninth. Oscar Piastri also impressed by advancing from 17th on the grid to finish eighth for McLaren.

Pierre Gasly took the final point in 10th place for Alpine. Behind him, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll finished 11th, and Williams’s Franco Colapinto took 12th. Colapinto was penalized 10 seconds for a collision with Liam Lawson, but his final position remained unaffected.

The result in Mexico keeps the championship thrilling as Sainz and Ferrari celebrate a rewarding day, while Red Bull faces questions after Verstappen’s penalties.