Max Verstappen converted a strategic advantage into victory at the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix after emerging ahead of Charles Leclerc following their pit stops. Ferrari’s race was overshadowed by a fierce clash between Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, while retirements, a suspension failure and multiple safety-car periods disrupted the event.
Charles Leclerc (left) and Lewis Hamilton (right) both missed Turn 4. Perhaps they shouldn’t have raced each other so hard. Credit: YURI CORTEZ / AFP
Reliability problems disrupted the race
Reaching the checkered flag was not straightforward. Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin frequently breaks down on track, triggering a safety car or virtual safety car, and this race was no exception. The incident came early, on lap seven, when Fernando Alonso retired the other Aston Martin to the garage.
Cadillac has also experienced several reliability problems this year, usually involving overheating front brakes. In Mexico, the issue was more serious. On lap 44, as Valtteri Bottas approached Turn 1, his left-front suspension failed. The resulting heavy crash damaged the barrier, bringing out a red flag while repairs were made and forcing the race to restart with a standing start.
Verstappen holds off Ferrari
Verstappen retained the lead and showed that the Red Bull power unit produced more output than Ferrari’s even at the high altitude of Mexico City. An enraged Hamilton overtook Leclerc, but Leclerc compounded his earlier mistake by locking up his front tire heavily and wearing the resulting flat spot down to the cord.
The safety car returned on lap 59, when Oscar Piastri’s McLaren passed Arvid Lindblad’s Racing Bull. Hamilton was then running at the front of the chase, just a few tenths of a second behind Verstappen, but he lacked the pace to make an overtaking attempt.
Ferrari may not have had enough straight-line performance to pass Red Bull, but its ability to handle the curbs and the punch of its small turbocharged engine out of slow corners helped it stay ahead of Lando Norris’ McLaren. Norris, the 2025 champion, finished fifth behind Leclerc.
Vasseur criticizes the lost opportunity
After the race, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said:
“I always expect everyone to show respect to the brand, to the team, to our partners and above all to our 2,000 employees who work in our home country. He has put an incredible amount of effort into his job, working day and night in the factory to improve the car and bring upgrades to the truck, which is why losing out on a win like this is unacceptable.”
Source: arstechnica.com