All articles tagged with #mexican grand prix
Lando Norris reclaimed the F1 championship lead in a controversial Mexican Grand Prix marked by penalties, on-track incidents, and strategic debates, ultimately winning with a dominant 30-second margin while avoiding the chaos that affected other drivers.
The 2025 Mexican Grand Prix was marked by chaos at the start, driver frustrations, strategic decisions, and notable performances, with Max Verstappen taking the lead in the championship, Haas and Norris showing strong results, and concerns raised over safety and team performances.
The 2025 Mexican Grand Prix saw standout performances from Ollie Bearman and Lando Norris, with Bearman achieving Haas's best result and Norris taking the lead in the championship, while Yuki Tsunoda and Carlos Sainz faced setbacks. Charles Leclerc and George Russell had solid finishes, but Hamilton and Alpine struggled, highlighting the competitive and unpredictable nature of the race.
Max Verstappen navigated a chaotic Mexican Grand Prix, including a near crash at the start and a penalty for Hamilton, to secure a podium and stay in the championship hunt, with only 36 points behind the leader with five races remaining.
Oscar Piastri's unexpected lack of pace in qualifying at the Mexican Grand Prix is attributed to a combination of factors, including possible car issues and driving technique mismatched to low-grip conditions, with his team suggesting it's a calibration challenge rather than a mechanical problem. Despite his struggles, Piastri remains optimistic about improving in the race and future events.
McLaren shows promising pace in the Mexican Grand Prix practice sessions, with Lando Norris consistently challenging Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Norris was only 0.15 seconds off Verstappen's fastest time in FP2 and had the fastest long run on the medium tires. McLaren's Oscar Piastri also demonstrated strong pace on the hard tires. Red Bull's advantage appears less comfortable than usual, and McLaren could pose a threat in the race. However, the volatile conditions and potential for rain make the outcome uncertain.
Haas F1 Team's director of engineering, Ayao Komatsu, expressed his admiration for rookie driver Oliver Bearman after his impressive performance during the Mexican Grand Prix practice session. Komatsu praised Bearman's professionalism, communication, and feedback, stating that he didn't put a foot wrong throughout the preparation and on-track activities. Comparing Bearman to previous Haas rookies, Komatsu highlighted the 18-year-old's exceptional performance and expressed excitement for future sessions with him.
Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes team are hoping to end their Formula One grand prix drought in Mexico, with Hamilton aiming to challenge Max Verstappen for victory. Despite a disappointing strategy call and subsequent disqualification in the previous race, Mercedes showed encouraging pace and brought their final major upgrade of the season. Hamilton believes they have taken a step forward and is optimistic about their chances in Mexico City. The team will also use this race to test their new floor and gather valuable data for the development of next year's car.
Formula 1 teams have made significant modifications to their cars for the Mexican Grand Prix to address the cooling challenges posed by the high altitude and reduced air density. Red Bull, Ferrari, Alpine, McLaren, AlphaTauri, Haas, and Williams have all introduced new parts to enhance cooling, such as enlarged louvres, expanded coke panel exits, and redesigned engine covers. Alfa Romeo, Mercedes, and Aston Martin did not introduce any new parts. Ferrari is confident in its existing engine cover but has a backup option if needed. The teams anticipate temperature management challenges during the race, particularly in traffic, but feel better prepared compared to last year.
The Mexican Grand Prix organizers have taken steps to reduce the number of fans and VIPs in the paddock after security issues arose in last year's race, including spectators crowding hospitality units and accosting drivers. Alpine's Pierre Gasly and other drivers raised concerns about overcrowding, prompting the organizers to work with Formula 1 to limit the number of people roaming the paddock. A marketing campaign has also been launched to encourage spectators to show more respect to drivers and emphasize that the paddock is a working area. Red Bull has increased security measures to protect key team members, including Max Verstappen.
Sergio Perez's bid to secure second place in the Formula 1 drivers' championship received a boost when Lewis Hamilton was excluded in Austin, giving Perez a 39-point advantage. However, Perez's real challenge lies in securing his drive for 2025, and the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix is crucial for him. While Perez has had a solid performance in Austin, he needs to deliver consistent and dependable performances to meet Red Bull's expectations. He must focus on his own game and maximize his potential, showcasing mental strength and proving he can support teammate Max Verstappen. A strong showing in Mexico would bolster his case and help secure second place in the standings.