October 28, 2024
In a thrilling and contentious race at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz claimed a significant victory, outpacing rivals to take his second win of the season, while Max Verstappen’s driving tactics cost him dearly. McLaren’s Lando Norris finished in second, closing the points gap between himself and Verstappen as the season’s title race intensifies.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez saw Verstappen, the defending champion, face a rare double penalty after aggressive driving incidents with Norris, which handed the British driver a vital advantage in the standings. Norris’s patience seemed tested as Verstappen pushed the limits of racing etiquette, leading to penalties that forced Verstappen down the ranks.
The clash between Norris and Verstappen escalated during an early exchange when Norris, faster on the track, attempted an overtake. Echoing a similar incident in Austin, Verstappen veered aggressively, pushing Norris wide. Furious, Norris exclaimed, “This guy’s dangerous… I’ll end up in the wall,” as he narrowly avoided a crash. Their rivalry, which once appeared friendly, is now tinged with tension, as Norris looks increasingly unwilling to accept Verstappen’s uncompromising racing style in stride.
The first incident at turn four saw the stewards award Verstappen a 10-second penalty. Matters only worsened when, shortly after, Verstappen regained the place by again forcing Norris wide, prompting an additional 10-second penalty. With both infractions now tallying up to a 20-second time loss, Verstappen found himself relegated to sixth place by the end of the race, crucially minimizing his points advantage over Norris.
Sainz’s victory, backed by a strong performance from Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc finishing third, marks Ferrari’s second consecutive win this season, establishing the team as a top contender on the grid. Ferrari’s progress has catapulted them to second place in the constructors’ standings, surpassing Red Bull and placing them in direct competition with McLaren. Sainz’s control throughout the race underscored Ferrari’s newfound pace, which could prove pivotal in the closing races.
The tension between Verstappen and Norris adds another layer to the ongoing debate about aggressive driving standards in Formula 1. Just last Friday, drivers met with the FIA to discuss potential rule changes to discourage reckless driving, especially involving wheel-to-wheel confrontations that risk pushing competitors off the track. The FIA had pledged to review the guidelines before the Qatar Grand Prix, but Verstappen’s incidents in Mexico may hasten a more immediate meeting before the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix next weekend.
Reflecting on the penalties, Verstappen appeared visibly agitated, later admitting he felt his car was off pace, pushing him to drive more aggressively. The penalties saw him drop down to 15th after a slow pit stop and a painful wait to serve his time penalties. Although he fought back valiantly to claim sixth, the damage to his points tally was done. With Norris now 47 points behind Verstappen and 120 points still on the table, Norris’s slim chance at taking the title remains alive.
The high-stakes race is a reminder that one misstep could cost Verstappen the championship. The British driver secured second place after overtaking Leclerc on lap 63, a strategic move that proved valuable as the season edges toward its final rounds. With only four races and two sprints remaining, Norris still faces an uphill battle, but his persistence and Verstappen’s vulnerabilities have added an unexpected twist to the title race.
The Mexico City Grand Prix stands as a crucial juncture as teams and drivers head to Brazil, where both Ferrari and McLaren will look to keep their championship hopes alive. Norris may be the underdog in the race for the title, but with a rattled Verstappen, it could yet be a showdown to the final lap of the season.
