(Mexico City) The three-time reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen (Red Bull) will again be the favorite this weekend for the Mexican Grand Prix, where he can improve his record of victories over a season.
In Mexico, where the 19 will be contestede round out of 22 of the season, the Dutchman can win his 16e success and thus improve his mark of 15 victories established last year and equaled last weekend in the United States.
The insatiable Verstappen can also become the fourth most successful driver in F1 history tied with Frenchman Alain Prost if he achieves his 51e success. He would also get closer to third, the German Sebastian Vettel (53 victories). However, he is still far from the 103 victories of the British Lewis Hamilton, still active, and the 91 of the German Michael Schumacher.
“The Mexico circuit is the highest of the season and that makes it more demanding on the cars, but the RB19 has been faultless in all conditions so it should perform well. We will maximize our strengths with the aim of continuing to win,” declared the 26-year-old driver.
His teammate Sergio Pérez will be eagerly awaited on his land, a few days after having greatly benefited from the disqualification of Briton Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) in Austin.
The seven-time world champion, who finished second and reduced the gap with the Mexican to 19 points in the fight for second place in the championship, was ultimately disqualified by the stewards due to excessive wear on the floor of his car and now finds himself relegated to 39 lengths behind Pérez.
Hamilton up against the wall
“We made progress even if we didn’t show it enough in Austin because of some bad settings. I am optimistic for this weekend, because I know in which direction we have to go,” underlined Pérez, who remains on two third places in Mexico.
To maintain any hope of finishing runner-up to Verstappen, Hamilton will have to excel at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, which is located at more than 2,200 meters above sea level.
Very successful in Texas last weekend, the Briton, who has not scored points in the last two Grands Prix, will want to confirm the progress made by his Silver Arrow.
“Feelings were mixed after Austin, as the upgrades to the car seemed to improve our performance. We had good pace and we were able to fight for the victory. But unfortunately we were unable to capitalize with a good result,” explained Toto Wolff, Mercedes boss.
The McLaren team will also be eagerly awaited in Mexico after the superb performances achieved in recent weeks.
“Austin was a really good weekend, it was great to get my fourth podium in a row for my 100e Grand Prix. We have made a lot of progress over the last two months and we will continue to do our best to collect points,” said Briton Lando Norris.
Ferrari, which also saw one of its cars disqualified in Texas, that of Monegasque Charles Leclerc, will be under pressure in Mexico. The Italian team, which is 22 lengths behind Mercedes in the fight for second place in the constructors’ championship, no longer has room for error.
“In Mexico, I want to see a more focused team, because we cannot afford to do things wrong in race management, as happened in Austin. On paper, this race could be complicated so we will have to seize every opportunity that presents itself,” said Frédéric Vasseur, boss of the Scuderia.
On the French side, Alpine, which has scored points in six of the last seven races, will try to continue the recovery made since the restructuring of the team this summer.
“The route is pleasant and the altitude completely transforms the sensations. This changes the behavior of the car with much less grip and a more physically demanding race. We are ready to take on the challenge and we hope to have a solid weekend,” said Frenchman Esteban Ocon.