By Michael Madyira
Carlos Sainz converted pole position to victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix, with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc settling for third at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Sunday.
McLaren’s Lando Norris finished second in a drama-filled race, where he battled with title rival Max Verstappen of Red Bull, who finished sixth following time penalties.
The Dutchman first received a 10 penalty for forcing Norris off the track, then he was handed a further 10-second penalty for unfairly gaining an advantage after leaving the track.
Norris has now cut Verstappen’s world championship lead to 47 points.
But the race belonged to Sainz, who stormed to victory after starting from pole and losing the lead to Verstappen.
However, following the two penalties and a safety car period, Sainz recovered to claim his fourth Formula 1 win.
“I really wanted this one, I really needed it also for myself – I wanted to get it done,” Sainz said, as per Formula 1.
“I’ve been saying for a while I wanted one more win before leaving Ferrari, and to do it here in front of this mega crowd is incredible,” he added as he prepares for the move to Williams.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton took fourth, while his teammate George Russell finished just behind him, ahead of Verstappen.
Responding to the penalties, Verstappen wore a brave face and did not sound too disappointed, accepting his fate.
“It doesn’t matter if you agree with it or not, because the penalties are given,” said Verstappen.
“That was honestly not my biggest problem of the race. My biggest problem was that we just had no pace. Just struggling a lot on the tyres, couldn’t really attack, and I couldn’t follow Ferrari and McLaren.”
Up next is the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday, with four races remaining before the 2024 season concludes.
Pictured above: Carlos Sainz celebrates winning the Mexican Grand Prix
Source: Formula 1
