In a thrilling spectacle at the Mexican Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz of Ferrari emerged victorious, marking a significant win for the team and ending a lengthy drought dating back to 1990. Sainz’s triumph comes as a major boost for Ferrari, who have faced intense competition throughout the season.
The race kicked off with Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, taking the early lead. However, a collision between Yuki Tsunoda and Alex Albon on Turn 1 brought out the safety car, a twist that would soon unravel Verstappen’s hopes of victory. After the safety car period ended, the action resumed at a frenetic pace, intensifying the battle between Verstappen and Lando Norris of McLaren, who were continuing their rivalry from the recent US Grand Prix.
Verstappen’s aggressive driving soon resulted in trouble, leading to two separate 10-second penalties that ultimately derailed his race strategy. As the penalties took their toll, Verstappen slipped down the leaderboard, leaving the path clear for Sainz to maintain his lead. Meanwhile, Norris, undeterred by the chaos, secured a commendable second place after overtaking Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc late in the race.
Despite the initial pressure from Leclerc, Sainz’s consistent performance ensured he maintained his lead throughout the race. Norris’s strong finish was crucial, bringing him closer to Verstappen in the championship standings as the points gap narrowed to less than ten.
Sergio Pérez faced his own challenges, starting from a compromised grid position due to a five-second penalty and later colliding with Liam Lawson, which impacted his performance. Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell demonstrated resilience by finishing fourth and fifth, respectively, though they struggled to keep pace with the leaders.
Kevin Magnussen of Haas and Oscar Piastri of McLaren rounded out the top eight, while Alpine’s Pierre Gasly managed to secure points despite the early retirement of Fernando Alonso due to technical issues.
The celebration of Sainz’s victory was amplified by the enthusiastic Mexican crowd, making the win even more memorable. Sainz expressed his delight, stating, “I wanted another win with Ferrari, and doing it here in front of this crowd is unforgettable.” This victory not only adds valuable points for Ferrari but also strengthens their position in the Constructors’ Championship, allowing them to surpass Red Bull, marking a significant return to form.
With four races remaining in the season, the competition is set to intensify as teams battle for crucial points. This exhilarating conclusion to the Formula 1 season promises to be a thrilling experience for fans and teams alike, with the stakes higher than ever. As Ferrari celebrates this monumental win, the excitement builds for what lies ahead in the upcoming races.
