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Having produced the perfect lap
yesterday to clinch pole position, Lando Norris converted it into the win
today in the Mexico City Grand Prix. It was the Englishman’s tenth career
win, his sixth this season, the first since Hungary and his first in Mexico.
It is McLaren’s 13th win of the season, its 202nd overall and its fourth in
Mexico City.
Charles Leclerc took his Ferrari from second on the grid
to second at the chequered flag, crossing the line 30.324 seconds behind the
winner, until the final laps when he had to fend off a charging Max
Verstappen (Red Bull Racing), the Dutchman keeping his championship hopes
alive, fighting hard to make it to the last step of the podium in third
place. In fact, with two laps remaining Verstappen was right on Leclerc’s
gearbox and looked set to pass the Ferrari, but a Virtual Safety Car was
called, the race only going “live” again with half a lap remaining, Leclerc
just hanging on to the runner-up slot.
The biggest surprise came from
Oliver Bearman in his first full F1 season, who brought his Haas home in
fourth place from ninth on the grid having run as high as third for much of
the race, his best ever F1 result. The excitement mounts in the Drivers’
Championship with four races remaining, as Norris moves into the lead, one
point ahead of team-mate Piastri, while Verstappen is now 36 points behind
the leader with four Grands Prix and two Sprint Races remaining this year.
THE DAY ON TRACK
The majority of the drivers (12) lined up on the
Soft compound tyre for the start, while six (Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing,
Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls, Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull Racing, Carlos Sainz
Williams, Gabriel Bortoleto Sauber and Pierre Gasly Alpine) went with the
Medium, while Alex Albon, Williams and Franco Colapinto Alpine opted for the
Hard.
As is often the case here with the very long run
down to the first corner, the opening lap was chaotic, with the leaders four
abreast into the corner. The Stewards had to get involved to work out who
had gained an advantage, Lewis Hamilton coming off worst, taking a 10 second
penalty at his pit stop.
Championship leader Oscar
Piastri in the McLaren had a poor start, but eventually fought his way back
up to fifth. Sainz was the first to make a planned pit stop switching from
Medium to Soft, with the Soft-to-Medium stops beginning on lap 22 with
Antonelli. A second run of stops began on lap 47, with Piastri, Antonelli
and Hamilton.
The longest stint of the race came courtesy of
Colapinto who completed 48 laps on the C2, while Ocon did 44 laps with the
C4 compound and Gasly managed 37 laps on the softest compound.
MARIO ISOLA - MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR
“We were treated to an interesting race here in Mexico City, not just in
terms of the on-track action but also because we saw the field split between
those on a one-stop and others on a two-stop. Congratulations to Lando
Norris, who was impeccable all weekend, right from the opening day and who
is now back in the lead of the championship. Well done also to Ollie Bearman
who brought home a valuable fourth place for the Haas team.
“The
Medium and Soft compounds both played their part but, if one were to pick a
star of the day, it was without a doubt the red banded compound. Most of the
drivers chose the softest tyre for the start and for the final stint in the
case of those who opted for a two-stop strategy.
“Thanks to very
little wear and no graining, the drivers were able to extend their C5 stint,
effectively managing thermal degradation on the rears. The pit stop windows
were in line with our expectations and I believe the variety of strategies
also owed something to the decision to introduce a gap in the compounds
selected. The Hard saw very little use, because it was at a disadvantage on
this track that offered little grip all weekend.
“Part of the Pirelli
crew here in Mexico City this week, will be back at the circuit on Tuesday
and Wednesday for development testing of the softer compounds in the 2026
range of tyres. A mule car will be provided by Sauber on the first day and
Mercedes on the second. We thank both of them for their support."
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