Carlos Sainz’s impressive victory in Mexico delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression and strategic brilliance, marking his second win of the season. This win signaled a resurgence for Ferrari, who now look like strong contenders in the Constructors' Championship. Sainz held the lead with poise, showcasing the finesse of a seasoned driver and giving Ferrari fans plenty to celebrate after a season of mixed results.
Lando Norris brought his A-game, pushing his McLaren to the edge. With a thrilling late-race pass, he overtook Charles Leclerc and secured a stunning second place. Norris has become a formidable presence on the grid, narrowing the gap between himself and the top drivers and adding to the excitement in a season where McLaren’s progress has been steady but undeniable.
Max Verstappen’s weekend was one for the books—not for victories, but penalties. After some intense skirmishes with Norris, Verstappen found himself slapped with two 10-second penalties for what many saw as over-the-top defensive maneuvers. His race strategy crumbled as he dropped down the order after a long pit stop to serve these penalties. The Dutch driver clawed his way back to sixth but was visibly frustrated by the series of setbacks.
For hometown favorite Sergio Perez, Mexico was a race of unfortunate turns. An early grid penalty and a wheel-to-wheel tussle with Liam Lawson compromised his race, leaving him out of the points—a letdown for the enthusiastic Mexican fans who had hoped for a podium from their hero.
New Zealand’s Liam Lawson showcased his potential with an assertive performance that included a tense battle with Perez. Though Lawson didn’t make the top ten, he held his ground and kept Red Bull’s Perez on his toes. His impressive drive is stoking speculation that he may soon replace Perez at Red Bull—a sign of the young driver’s growing reputation.
Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and George Russell had their own battle, as they jockeyed for position in the middle ranks. Russell’s floor damage hindered his car’s balance, but the competition remained fierce until Hamilton ultimately claimed fourth. This internal Mercedes rivalry only underscored the performance gap between them and Ferrari and McLaren, further motivating the team to close that gap as the season continues.
Sainz’s and Leclerc’s strong showings not only boosted Ferrari’s stats but also placed them at the top of the Constructors' Championship, nudging Red Bull out of first place. This victory reaffirms Ferrari’s growing momentum and reinforces the notion that they’re in the running to end the season on top.
With Sainz’s superb drive, Verstappen’s penalties, and the rising stars like Lawson stepping up, the season is shaping into one of the most unpredictable yet. Mexico brought thrilling drama, unexpected wins, and fierce rivalries to the forefront, setting the stage for more adrenaline-filled races in the final stretch of the season. Fans are left with no shortage of rivalries and storylines to follow as F1’s drama continues to unfold.