Carlos Sainz Jr. delivered a masterful performance at the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix, securing Ferrari’s second consecutive victory and further solidifying the team’s remarkable turnaround in the latter half of the season13. The Spanish driver started from pole position, briefly lost the lead to Max Verstappen, but quickly regained it and never looked back, showcasing the renewed pace of the Ferrari12.
Race Results and Standings
The top 10 finishers of the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix were:
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine)1
This result has significant implications for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships:Drivers’ Championship:
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 362 points
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 315 points
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 291 points2
The Verstappen-Norris Battle
The race was marked by a fierce and controversial battle between championship leader Max Verstappen and his closest rival, Lando Norris. Verstappen’s aggressive driving style led to two separate incidents with Norris, resulting in two 10-second penalties for the Dutch driver23.On lap 11, Verstappen forced Norris off the track twice, first at Turn 4 and then at Turn 8. Norris voiced his frustration, calling Verstappen’s driving “dangerous” and referencing similar incidents from the previous race in Austin2. The penalties ultimately cost Verstappen a potential podium finish, as he crossed the line in sixth place1.This turn of events has reignited the championship battle, with Norris cutting Verstappen’s lead from 57 to 47 points. With 120 points still up for grabs in the remaining races, the title fight remains very much alive3.
Ferrari’s Resurgence
Ferrari’s back-to-back victories in Austin and Mexico City highlight the team’s impressive turnaround in the second half of the 2024 season. The Scuderia has emerged as one of the fastest teams on the grid, challenging the dominance of Red Bull and McLaren3.Charles Leclerc’s third-place finish, combined with Sainz’s victory, has brought Ferrari within striking distance of McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship. The Italian team now trails McLaren by just 29 points, setting up an intense battle for second place in the remaining races12.
Looking Ahead
As the Formula 1 circus moves to Brazil next week for the final race of this triple-header, all eyes will be on the continuing battle between Verstappen and Norris, as well as Ferrari’s push to overtake McLaren in the Constructors’ standings1.The recent controversies surrounding driving standards and track limits are likely to be a hot topic of discussion among drivers and officials. The FIA has acknowledged the need for revisions to the regulations, with potential changes to be discussed with drivers in the coming races3.With only four races remaining, including two sprint events, the 2024 Formula 1 season is shaping up for a thrilling conclusion, both in the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
