A weekend of strong emotions for Formula 1 in Mexico: the Ferraris shine and Sainz exceeds all expectations, Verstappen penalized.
The 2024 Mexican Formula 1 Grand Prix offered an intense spectacle, with Carlos Sainz who, starting from pole positionconcluded with an extraordinary victory, maintaining the lead for much of the race despite attacks from the Red Bulls and McLarens. This Formula 1 weekend was crucial for Ferrari, which saw both cars on the podium, a configuration that immediately gave a psychological boost to the Maranello team.
Already from qualifying, Ferrari demonstrated that it has an excellent set-up for the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit. Sainz put in an impressive lap, leaving behind Max Verstappenwho started from second position, and the McLaren of Lando Norris. Leclerc finished in fourth place, ensuring an important Ferrari presence at the top of the grid and showing that the SF-24 is capable of adapting to the demands of the Mexican circuit. Sainz’s placement on pole thus opened the doors to a race in which Ferrari could have aspired to a double, thanks to Leclerc’s strategic position immediately behind the top three contenders.
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During the race, Sainz defended his lead position with determination, maintaining a constant gap from Leclerc and managing the pressure from Norris and Verstappen perfectly. The latter, however, was the protagonist of a complicated race, penalized several times for going off track and behaviors deemed advantageous in a close duel with Norris. The accumulated penalties, up to 20 seconds in total, forced Verstappen to return to the pits, relegating him to fifteenth place and thus undermining his chances of catching the Ferraris. Leclerc attempted to reduce the gap to Sainz, but was unable to get closer than 2.9 seconds, eventually handing second place to Norris, who maintained a constant pace and took advantage of a mistake by the Monegasque in the final stages of the race. competition.
What happened between the two contenders for the Formula 1 title sparked controversy, leading the commissioners to make a far-reaching decision. While attempting to overtake Norris, Verstappen cut off the track in order to maintain his lead, a behavior which the judges later assessed as not complying with the rules. After further review and analysis, Verstappen was penalized with two penalty points on his license and a time penalty, compromising his race and influencing the final classification. This decision also showed the judges’ greater severity towards aggressive overtaking maneuvers, a sign that could have consequences on Verstappen’s driving style in future Formula 1 races. This is a very complicated period for the Red Bull team which , after losing the genius Adrian Newey, seems to have lost the ability to interpret his car.
With this victory, Carlos Sainz not only demonstrates his maturity and ability to keep up with drivers like Verstappen, but also reiterates the competitiveness of Ferrariin a decisive moment for the team. Verstappen’s penalties and errors have had a significant impact on his championship chances, while Norris and McLaren continue to steadily improve, putting pressure on even the best. The 2024 F1 season, therefore, appears to be showing signs of great unpredictability, with Ferrari having now achieved a solid position to compete at the highest levels.
In conclusion, Sainz’s victory and the placing of the two Ferraris in the standings strengthen the team’s ambitions in constructors’ championshipovertaking rivals Red Bull and closing in on McLaren. With the margin in the standings narrowing, the final races of the season could prove decisive for a more open and unpredictable challenge for the constructors’ title.
