Ferrari secured a remarkable victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix, but the race was overshadowed by Max Verstappen's self-inflicted setbacks. Verstappen's aggressive driving against championship rival Lando Norris was deemed unacceptable and significantly impacted his title aspirations. Carlos Sainz delivered a commanding performance for Ferrari at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, with teammate Charles Leclerc finishing third, solidifying Ferrari's position as a leading force in the championship.
Despite their recent tensions in Austin, Verstappen and Norris once again took center stage. Norris finished second for McLaren, while Verstappen settled for sixth. This result is crucial for Norris as he aims to close the gap on the world champion, reducing Verstappen's lead from 57 to 47 points with 120 still up for grabs. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell secured fourth and fifth places for Mercedes.
Verstappen's aggressive tactics allowed Norris to close in on the championship. The pair could have engaged in a race-long battle, but Verstappen's uncompromising approach in both defense and attack widened the points gap. After a safety car period, Norris attempted to pass Verstappen, who pushed him wide, reminiscent of their clash in Texas. Norris was livid, calling Verstappen's driving dangerous.
As the race progressed, Norris refused to yield, leading to Verstappen reclaiming the position by forcing Norris off track. The stewards penalized Verstappen with a 10-second penalty for the first incident and another 10-second penalty for gaining an advantage by leaving the track in the second incident. Verstappen's penalties cost him track position, and he was left to minimize the damage.
The drivers had previously discussed driving rules, particularly regarding pushing others off track, but Verstappen's actions in Mexico highlighted the need for urgent adjustments. The FIA is expected to modify the guidelines, but Verstappen's penalties in Mexico have sparked a heated debate. Verstappen's aggressive tactics left him with regrets, as he could have finished closer to Norris with less aggression.
Norris managed to overtake Leclerc on lap 63, securing second place, while Sainz and Ferrari claimed a well-deserved victory. Ferrari's consecutive wins mark a significant step forward, positioning them as one of the fastest teams on the grid. With four races remaining, including two sprint races, Norris remains an outsider in the title fight but has kept it alive and narrowed the gap. A few more setbacks for Verstappen could make the championship race go down to the wire.
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