Mexico City Grand Prix: Verstappen riding high. Wha....

Mexico City Grand Prix: Verstappen riding high. What…..read more

As the Formula 1 season progresses toward its climax, the Mexico City Grand Prix at the high-altitude Hermanos Rodriguez circuit is set to be a pivotal race. Reigning champion Max Verstappen arrives at the event with a commanding 57-point lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris, with just five races left in the season. Norris finds himself in a challenging position after finishing fourth in the recent United States Grand Prix, where Verstappen secured third place. He described this result as a ‘momentum killer’ in the ongoing title battle, while Red Bull sees this as a significant turning point in their campaign.

Verstappen has a strong history at the Mexico City circuit, having won five of the last six races held there. The track is one of his favorites, alongside Austria’s Red Bull Ring. The Dutch driver expressed confidence, noting that Red Bull made positive strides during the race in Austin and that maintaining this momentum is crucial as he continues to accumulate vital championship points.

The competition for the constructors’ championship is heating up, with Ferrari in a position to overtake Red Bull for second place. After their one-two finish in Texas, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have cut the gap to just eight points. Last year, they dominated the front row in Mexico, with Leclerc securing pole position. The Italian team appears strong, which adds pressure on Red Bull and Norris.

For Red Bull, the performance of Sergio Perez in his home race is critical. The Mexican driver has struggled this season, accumulating only 150 points compared to Verstappen’s impressive 354. Perez’s recent form has been disappointing, with his best finish being sixth place since May, prompting questions about his future despite a contract extension through 2026. Ahead of the race, Perez emphasized the importance of focusing on the task at hand, expressing a desire to deliver a podium finish for his fans and country.

While Norris looks to challenge Verstappen, he has yet to finish higher than fifth in Mexico, which adds to his difficulties. The McLaren driver’s goal will be to break this trend and secure a stronger result to regain momentum in the championship chase. He remains aware of the growing threat from Ferrari, which has the potential to capitalize on any missteps from both Red Bull and McLaren.

The race also marks a significant milestone for veteran driver Fernando Alonso, who will become the first Formula One driver to reach 400 Grand Prix starts. The 43-year-old Spaniard has participated in more than a third of all races since the championship’s inception in 1950. He hopes to continue competing for at least another 40 or 50 races over the next few years.

In the midst of this competitive landscape, Mercedes is looking to bounce back after a challenging weekend in Austin. Team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the inherent performance in their car but emphasized the need for consistent execution moving forward. Additionally, Kimi Antonelli, who will replace Lewis Hamilton next season, will participate in the first free practice session, driving Hamilton’s car.

As the Mexico City Grand Prix approaches, the tension and excitement are palpable, with Verstappen aiming for another victory, Norris seeking to close the gap, and Ferrari looking to assert their dominance. Each driver will be focused on making the most of this critical round in the championship.