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Mexico City GP Preview | Can Verstappen put the final nail in Norris' coffin?
Mexico is up next in the Formula One calendar. At the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, it is all to play for this weekend as well at the Mexico City (not Mexican) Grand Prix. For some, once again there will be limited time in free practice to prepare their cars. What can we expect from the next event on the calendar?
Can Verstappen secure his fourth title?
Of course, the rhetorical question is mathematically not possible. However, a fact is that Max Verstappen could leave the Circuit of the Americas with a big smile on his face. The Dutchman won the Sprint, was in contention for pole position in Qualifying, and then finished ahead of Lando Norris during the Grand Prix as well. In the end, it was not Norris who managed to cut the gap further in the standings, but Verstappen who could extend his lead in Austin.
Now, there is a bit less pressure on Red Bull, as they had to deliver at COTA with their upgrades to the RB20. Moreover, rivals can also help Verstappen to a title, given Ferrari's great performance. After a difficult weekend, Mercedes could also now follow Ferrari in getting on top of their upgrade package that can help them to perform.
Now, in Mexico City, there is more stability in the Austrian team as well. Verstappen once again showed why he is a world champion as he defended the attacks from Norris' McLaren very maturely and in an intelligent way, as McLaren could only lick their wounds.
The next circuit will also be one where Red Bull have historically performed well and dealt well with the high altitude. Since 2017, Verstappen only failed to win on one occasion, in 2019, when it was Lewis Hamilton who crossed the finish line in P1. If Verstappen manages to finish ahead of Norris, given his Dutch rival's performance, that can truly be a final nail in the coffin for the British driver.
Too much pressure for Perez?
While Verstappen has the chance to consolidate his lead again, for Sergio Perez, the most important weekend is up next. With Helmut Marko previously saying that there is a shootout at VCARB for the chance to get promoted, the Mexican's seat is less than secure. Now, all eyes are also on 'Checo', not because of his seat, but because it is his home Grand Prix, and he has to deal with the pressure of being a national hero. Last season, it did not go well for him, after he crashed out in Turn 1.
Another set of interesting practice sessions
Many teams opted to field young drivers for FP1 in Mexico. Among others, all Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc will not participate in the first session. The young drivers joining the session will be Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, Robert Shwartzman, Felipe Drugovich. At McLaren, Pato O'Ward will also have the chance to drive the MCL38.
That wouldn't be a big deal, however, in FP2, there will be a 90-minute long Pirelli tyre test, where drivers will have to run with two different soft tyres for the 2025 season. The drivers not taking place will receive an additional medium tyre they can use during 30 minutes. An obstacle that can put many on the backfoot preparing their cars.
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