“I knew what to expect (from Verstappen). In my opinion it’s not very clean driving,” said Norris, still quite reserved. McLaren’s managing director Zak Brown, on the other hand, is different: “Enough is enough.” Red Bull’s motorsport consultant Helmut Marko couldn’t understand the sanctions on the Sky microphone: “The harsh penalties were an overreaction after what happened in Austin.”
Just a week after Austin’s dispute over Verstappen’s uncompromising defensive style, Norris could feel like a winner at the Mexico City Grand Prix this time. He secured second place behind Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz. In the World Cup standings, the 24-year-old Brit from McLaren reduced his gap to Verstappen by ten points. Before the last four World Championship races this year, he is 47 points behind the defending champion. “I’ll keep my head down,” is all Norris says.
Ferrari missed the next one-two victory
As in the US race, Ferrari almost achieved a double success. Charles Leclerc missed the chance when, under pressure from Norris, he braked a few laps before the end and only finished third. In the constructors’ world championship, the Scuderia overtook Red Bull, is second behind McLaren and can have legitimate hopes for its first world title since the team’s triumph in 2008.
This is how the race began
Verstappen got off to a brilliant start. He secured second place in qualifying, only Sainz was faster. Norris had made it to third place, Leclerc was fourth. A very tricky situation, as it turned out a few laps later.
Verstappen grabs Sainz right after the start
The front went through the first few corners without any accidents. Verstappen pushed past Sainz and past, the Spaniard steered his Ferrari through the grass, cut back and came back in front of the Dutchman. However, as the rules dictate in one case, he let him pass again. Behind them, Norris was waiting for a gap between the two. But they didn’t do him the favor.
The safety car came out on lap one – Yuki Tsunoda had crashed into the barriers with his Racing Bull, as had Alexander Albon with his Williams. Verstappen mastered the restart after the clean-up work in his usual manner – he didn’t give Sainz a chance at first. But he didn’t stay in front for long. Sainz overtook spectacularly, then Norris wanted to try it too.
Verstappen vs. Norris
A week after the incident in Austin, when Norris was penalized for leaving the track while attempting to overtake Verstappen and fell back to fourth place behind the Red Bull star, the two provided new fuel for what had already long been an explosive World Cup duel. Verstappen pushed Norris off the track, the Brit came back in front of Verstappen, who tried it in his turn shortly afterwards. The cars touched. Norris raged over the radio. The race stewards promptly began an investigation.
It was only on Thursday that the Austin stewards reassessed what was happening at the Circuit of the Americas and rejected a possible objection from McLaren. This time Verstappen’s tough style was punished. He received a ten-second penalty for his driving behavior in the first duel. A little later it flashed again: “Penalty.” The race stewards also gave Verstappen ten seconds for the second action. What this means for the upcoming races in this World Cup is clear: it will be even more toxic.
As in Austin, Ferrari benefited from the rustic duel between their World Cup rivals. Leclerc moved into second place behind Sainz. The Scuderia celebrated a double success in Austin, where Leclerc won ahead of Sainz.
The suffering of the local hero
The next duel between Verstappen and Norris was looming in Mexico City. Before the Briton could get started, Verstappen turned into the pits to change tires. His mechanics stood frozen around the car for 20 seconds and only started when the penalty had expired. He was back in 15th place – one place behind his teammate Sergio Pérez.
The Mexican local hero wanted to make his home race the turning point of what he described as a “terrible season”. After another disappointment in front of his own fans, he probably has to worry more than ever about his future alongside Verstappen. Because it showed what is possible with Red Bull. He grabbed one after the other and was back in sixth place with 30 laps to go. But it wasn’t just Verstappen who saw that dark clouds were gathering.
Rain could have messed up the order again. Norris didn’t want to wait for that. He tried to reduce the gap to the two Ferraris. And at least Leclerc did that.
