Carlos Sainz led Ferrari to victory in a thrilling Mexico Grand Prix 2024, strengthening the team’s position in the constructors’ standings. Max Verstappen, despite penalties, remained a hot topic as Lando Norris accused him of dangerous driving.
Ferrari Dominates as Sainz Takes Control
Sainz delivered a commanding performance, clinching his third victory in the last five races. Ferrari capitalised on a strong showing, with Sainz’s teammate Charles Leclerc finishing third and securing the fastest lap.
This win boosted Ferrari into second place in the constructors’ standings. McLaren maintained its lead, but Ferrari now trails by only 29 points, ahead of Red Bull by 25 points.
Max Verstappen Draws Controversy with Penalties
Verstappen’s driving drew sharp criticism from Norris, who labelled him “dangerous” after several tense on-track moments. Verstappen received two 10-second penalties, dropping him to sixth in the final F1 Results.
The first penalty came after Verstappen forced Norris off the track at Turn Four. The second penalty was for gaining an unfair advantage by leaving the track four corners later. Norris expressed his frustration over the radio, saying, “This guy is dangerous. I had to avoid a crash.”
Drama Unfolds as Norris Battles Leclerc
Norris took full advantage of Verstappen’s penalties, catching and overtaking Leclerc with nine laps to go. He finished second and briefly held the fastest lap before Leclerc reclaimed it with a late tyre change.
The Mexico Grand Prix 2024 showcased Norris’s determination, earning him the Driver of the Day F1 title for his relentless efforts.
Verstappen and Norris Continue Rivalry
The Norris-Verstappen rivalry escalated, following a similar incident at the United States Grand Prix last week. Many drivers had expressed concern about Verstappen’s aggressive tactics, prompting the FIA to review racing guidelines.
Verstappen dismissed the discussions, saying, “Nothing changes for me in terms of racing.” His race engineer, Giampiero Lambiase, dismissed the penalties as a result of “whingeing” from other teams.
Safety Car Drama After First-Lap Crash
The race saw early action as a first-lap crash between Alex Albon and Yuki Tsunoda brought out the safety car. Tsunoda crashed into the barriers at Turn One, while Albon retired with damage after Turn Three.
When the race resumed, Sainz reclaimed the lead from Verstappen within a lap, setting the stage for Ferrari’s dominance.
Hamilton and Russell Battle in Mercedes Showdown
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell locked horns throughout the race, delivering an exciting intra-team battle. Russell initially overtook Hamilton on lap 14, but the seven-time world champion regained the upper hand after their pit stops.
With five laps to go, Hamilton made a decisive move at Turn One to finish ahead of his teammate.
Verstappen’s Tough Day Ends in Sixth
Despite his penalties, Verstappen fought to finish sixth, struggling with pace in the latter half of the race. His teammate Sergio Perez endured a disappointing run, penalised for a false start and later involved in an incident with Liam Lawson. Perez finished last after a failed attempt to set the fastest lap.
F1 Championship Standings Tighten
Sainz’s win in Mexico shakes up the F1 Championship Standings. Norris’s second-place finish cuts Verstappen’s lead to 47 points, keeping the title race alive.
Ferrari’s recent form gives them momentum, but McLaren still leads the constructors’ race. With only a handful of races remaining, the fight for the title is set to intensify.
Looking Ahead
The next race in Qatar will be crucial, with FIA officials expected to finalise the updated racing guidelines. Teams and drivers will eagerly await the changes to avoid further controversies.
As the 2024 season heads into its final stretch, fans can expect more thrilling battles and shifting dynamics in the championship. The Mexico Grand Prix 2024 has shown that nothing is settled yet.
Ferrari’s resurgence and the growing tension between Verstappen and Norris promise exciting action in the remaining races. Sainz’s latest victory keeps Ferrari’s hopes alive, while Verstappen must now navigate mounting pressure from his rivals.
