Max Verstappen overtook Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz from the start to take the lead in the Mexican Formula 1 Grand Prix and claim a 16the record victory on Sunday.
Verstappen passed between the two Ferrari cars thanks to a fast start.
The Red Bull driver, three-time world champion, won the Mexican Grand Prix for a third time in a row, in addition to breaking his record for victories in a season, set last year.
Verstappen started the race in third position, having also started the 2021 race from this place.
Even after passing Leclerc and Sainz, the job was not done for Verstappen. An accident involving Haas driver Kevin Magnussen midway through the race forced the Grand Prix to be interrupted and restarted. Verstappen handled the situation well and was never threatened until he took the checkered flag.
“Everything I had managed to achieve, I had to do again,” Verstappen said.
The 51e Verstappen’s career victory tied Alain Prost for fourth in F1 history. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton leads the list with 103.
What other goals does Verstappen have in mind this year?
“Seventeen victories? Eighteen ? I don’t know, Verstappen said. It was once again an incredible season. The car turned out to be magnificent to drive. »
Hamilton finished the Mexican Grand Prix in second place and Leclerc completed the podium.
Quebecer Lance Stroll did not complete the race.
Leclerc started from pole for a second race in a row, but once again missed his chance to convert that position into victory. Leclerc started 22 races in the lead position, but won only four of them.
Crowd favorite, Sergio Perez’s day ended quickly. The Mexican driver, who is battling behind Verstappen to maintain second place in the drivers’ championship, retired after the first corner when his car clipped the tires of Leclerc’s, before leaping into the air.
Just like Verstappen two years ago, Perez tried to pass Leclerc on the outside, but he trapped the Ferrari between him and the other Red Bull car. The Dutchman indicated that he understood the temptation to try a maneuver like this.
“It’s his great prize, at home. If it had worked, it would have been extraordinary, Verstappen said. This time it didn’t work. »
The scene silenced the fans on site, who had given Perez huge cheers at every turn during the weekend. A large part of the crowd left the scene following the accident.
Leclerc maintained that he felt bad for Perez, but added that “that’s life.” It damaged my car and ended “Checo’s” race. I didn’t do it voluntarily, but I had nowhere to go. »
The incident allowed Hamilton to narrow the gap to Perez from 39 to 20 points with three races remaining.
“It’s a very good result,” insisted Hamilton. I didn’t think I would be in this position, but after today’s race we are going to give it our all. »
Perez hasn’t been on the podium in the last five races and hasn’t won since April.