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F1: Verstappen enjoys decisive win in Mexico

November 7, 2021

Max Verstappen sealed a decisive victory, finishing ahead of Lewis Hamilton and extending his championship lead in Mexico. Verstappen's win capped a fine day for the Red Bulls as Mercedes struggled from the start.

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Max Verstappen celebrates his victory at the Mexico Grand Prix
Verstappen's win in Mexico was his ninth of the year, extending his championship lead to 19 points.Image: Lars Baron/Getty Images

Max Verstappen took the chequered flag in Mexico on Sunday as Red Bull capped a fine weekend with the two Red Bull drivers sandwiching Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton on the podium.

Mercedes had locked out the front of grid in Mexico City, with Valtteri Bottas and Hamilton leading the way and Verstappen occupying the second row — but when Bottas spun out at the first corner it opened the door for Verstappen, who took full advantage of the mistake.

"It was all about trying to brake as late as possible," Verstappen said. "I managed to go from third to first and that made my race because I was able to focus on myself."

Bottas rejoined the race after pitting immediately and snatched the fastest lap from Verstappen late on, but his 15th place finish represented a miserable day for the Finn.

This race could prove pivotal in the title race as maximum points for the ninth time this year sees Verstappen extend his lead over Hamilton in the drivers' standings to 19 points. But the Dutchman isn't taking anything for granted as he looks ahead to the next race, in Sao Paulo, in pursuit of his maiden Formula One title.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez drives past the main stand at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.
Red Bull's Sergio Perez enjoyed a great day in front of his home supporters in Mexico.Image: ANDRES STAPFF/REUTERS

"It's looking good but it can turn around very quickly," the 24-year-old said. "But I have a good record in Brazil and I'm looking forward to that."

Perez makes Mexican history

Pushing seven-time champion Hamilton all the way was Sergio Perez, whose third place finish was the first ever podium for a Mexican driver at his home Grand Prix.

"Of course I wanted more, I wanted to get a one-two for the team but I didn't have a single chance to get through," Perez said after his third podium in a row following third places in Texas and Turkey.

For all of Perez's efforts to get past Hamilton, the Briton held firm under pressure and in the face of an over-heating engine.

"I gave it absolutely everything and it was a great fight with Sergio at the end, I was able to at least get second," said Hamilton.

Mexican Grand Prix podium

1.    Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2.    Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
3.    Sergio Perez (Red Bull)

Drive of the day

Max Verstappen (Red Bull): An imperious, controlled drive by the Dutchman that ended in a deserved victory. A notable day for his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez, of course, but there's just no stopping Verstappen at the moment.

F1 Standings after Mexican Grand Prix

1.    Verstappen (Red Bull) — 312.5 points
2.    Hamilton (Mercedes) — 293.5
3.    Bottas (Mercedes) — 185
4.    Perez (Red Bull) — 165
5.    Norris (McLaren) — 150