Mexico City

The Formula One Mexico City Grand Prix treated fans to yet another thrilling display of racing as Max Verstappen, the young Red Bull great, split the Ferrari front row and claimed the lead by the first corner. His victory at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez marked a record 16th win of the season, the previous record for wins a season was set by Verstappen just last year at 15, further solidifying his dominance in the 2023 Formula One season. With only three races left this season, Verstappen’s incredible achievement is a testament to his prowess on the track.

Verstappen, who had started from third on the grid, executed a remarkable start reminiscent of his 2021 performance. He utilized the slingshot effect, darting down the long starting straight to overtake both Ferraris, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. This daring maneuver placed him in the lead and set the tone for what would be a victorious race.

However, Verstappen’s journey to victory was not without its challenges. The halfway point of the race witnessed a hard crash by Haas driver Kevin Magnussen, prompting a race halt and a restart. Verstappen, ever the opportunist, seized this chance to perfection, solidifying his lead and ensuring that he would not be threatened for the checkered flag.

This victory marked Verstappen’s 51st career win, tying him with the legendary Alain Prost for the fourth most wins in F1 history. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, driving for Mercedes, leads the all-time list with a remarkable 103 victories.

Hamilton showcased his resilience by finishing second in the Mexico City Grand Prix, narrowing the gap in the drivers championship. Charles Leclerc, who had started from pole position for the second consecutive race, secured the third spot on the podium. It’s worth noting that Leclerc’s pole-to-win conversion rate is still a work in progress, with just four wins out of 22 career starts from pole.

The race wasn’t without its share of heartbreak for the local fans, as Mexican driver Sergio Perez was involved in a first-corner incident that ended his race prematurely. Perez’s collision with Leclerc not only silenced the enthusiastic crowd but also allowed Hamilton to significantly close the championship gap, reducing it from 39 to just 20 points with three races remaining.

Sergio Perez, who is vying to secure second place in the championship behind Verstappen, has faced a challenging period. He hasn’t tasted victory since April and hasn’t made it to the podium in the last five races, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the final races of the season.