Max Verstappen is aiming for his fourth win in five races this weekend at the Mexico City Grand Prix, hoping to close the gap on McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The Red Bull star has won five times in the last seven years at the high-altitude Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and has reduced Piastri’s lead over him in third place from 104 points to 40 since August.
Piastri still leads Norris by 14 points, but both McLaren drivers have struggled for consistency as the pressure of the title race grows. After a strong start to the season, Piastri’s recent results include a retirement, a fourth, and a fifth place, while Norris finished second behind Verstappen in Texas but has not won since August.
Experts believe McLaren are feeling the pressure, while Verstappen’s experience as a four-time world champion could prove vital. Fernando Alonso said that if the title fight goes to the final race, Verstappen will be the driver to watch.
Ferrari, meanwhile, are hoping for another strong showing in Mexico after Carlos Sainz’s win there last year. Lewis Hamilton is still searching for his first podium in 19 races, while Charles Leclerc has finished in the top three six times this season. Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur praised Hamilton’s form, saying he looks back to his best.
McLaren’s team boss Andrea Stella admitted the Mexico track may not suit their car, meaning another difficult weekend could be ahead. Mercedes, led by George Russell and Hamilton, are battling Ferrari and Red Bull for second place in the constructors’ standings.
An exciting and unpredictable race is expected in Mexico’s thin air, over 2,200 metres above sea level.
